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Are You Growing Roots of Bitterness or Harvesting Change

Gnawing distractions or unexpected situations can drive us against the grain of God’s will upon our lives. Take for example someone who has suffered a loss of a job. They can either be grateful for the amount of time they were employed or they may allow a root of indignation to begin flourishing beneath the surface of their attitude. Nurturing the root with continued resentment will eventually expand into roots of bitterness.

On the other hand, taking the same situation, someone else may perceive the loss as a forcible change that they might not have taken on their own. Beneath their attitude roots of understanding, gratefulness, and acceptance begin to form and spread out into roots of change. Although they may not be happy with the forced circumstances, they know that the outcome serves to a greater purpose for their life.

Depending on where we find our source will determine what root we will grow and harbor in our hearts. Spending time in God’s Word and presence is a sure weed killer to bitterness, resentment, animosity, rancor, disgruntlement, and any other form that is not uplifting to our souls. One who establishes a routine counseling session with the Supreme Counselor will be blessed:

He shall be like a tree

Planted by the rivers of water,

That brings forth its fruit in its season,

Whose leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever he does shall prosper.

(Psalm 1:3)

When we spend time with God, we are allowing Him to prune through the deadened vines that we have a tendency to cling to in hopes of new growth springing forth, yet once pruned, we become free from the hindrances and our hearts are unencumbered for new fruit to grow.

Change is not always easy to accept, but it does have a purpose. We can either cultivate an open heart to change or propagate a root of bitterness.

What unforgiveness lies in your own heart? Even the smallest items in our life can grow the largest roots. Are you willing to let go and to let God move you?

About Renee

is an author and editor for The Bottom Line Ministries as well as a member of Faith Writers. Currently she teaches high school language arts. She is a mom to four amazing blessings and enjoys every moment life has to offer. Renee has a fervor and drive to learn, she loves to read and spend time with her family, and is involved with her local church ministries. Humbled by God’s gift of words, she has a passion to write what the Holy Spirit has placed in her heart. She hopes to publish her in-progress book someday, but in the meantime, is honored to be placed as part of the TBL writing family and is holding on to the ride wherever God is leading. Renee and her family reside in their country home in Holland, Iowa.

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2 comments

  1. A much needed message. We are faced with many difficulties and disappointments in this world so it is important to have correct instructions to guide us when those times come. So often these truths elude us when situations arise unless we are armed with the right resources to keep us from being tripped up.
    If not we can become anxious and our minds go in many directions trying to figure out the puzzled emotions within.
    It is important to look beyond our own comprehension. Instead of licking our wounds, we have a God who is all wise and can bring stability within us for He is our rock and our fortress.

  2. Thank you for your comment. I see so many Christians who hold tight to even the smallest piece of a grudge and it grows into bitterness and unforgiveness hindering their ability to grow with God. I agree that there are so many road blocks and avalanches that are placed in our way. How we overcome will be determined by our choice to ask God to help or if we become to prideful thinking we can dig our way around, over, or under. Keeping our eyes upward bound is the only sane way to be at peace. You are right, with God as our rock and fortress the tipping boat in the midst of the storm remains stable.

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