Bitterness: The Heart’s Poison

“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45 NIV)

A trip to the jungles of Peru a few years ago broadened my perspective of God’s creation in unexpected ways. As I left civilization and entered into the majestic unknown of the jungle, I was impacted by its beauty and power. As I walked through the jungle, beauty was not just something for the eye to behold, it was an experience that engaged all five of my senses simultaneously. As I gazed upon exotic birds, animals, and vegetation, I was struck anew as I thought about God as the Creator, how He took delight and care in designing every detail of the jungle and how much more He delighted in creating me and you. 

I also gained new awareness of God’s power as Creator. We live very comfortable lives in the 21st century and act more like rulers striving to dominate nature rather than being submissive to it. When I stepped into the jungle, the towering trees, vast foliage, a cacophony of creature sounds quickly engulfed me, making it very clear who was in charge here, and it wasn’t me. I became reliant on my guide to discern for me where it was safe to step, which creatures were deadly, and which plants were poisonous. 

I learned quickly that I could not spot potential dangers just based on how they appeared. Many of the “dangerous” species were beautiful to behold, and one such creature is the poison dart frog. Though only 2 inches in size, this brightly adorned frog is an eye-catching beauty, yet some of these frogs carry enough deadly poison to kill ten men. It struck me that the same was true for mankind. External beauty is no reflection of the heart. I’m sure we can all think of someone in our lives whose beauty may be striking but their words are like poisonous venom. “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45 NIV). When you allow bitterness to grow in your heart, its ugliness begins to transform you from the inside out. 

How do we prevent bitterness from growing? 

First is to “get rid of all bitterness…be kind and compassionate…forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV). Take careful inventory of what is in your heart, and if you find bitterness there, get rid of it! Ask God to help you take steps to replace it with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. 

Second is to “see to it … that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Hebrews 12:15 NIV). Once bitterness has been removed, see to it that it does not take root again. That may involve putting safeguards in place. Just like we put a fence around our garden to keep unwanted predators out, what things can you put in place to guard your heart from the enemy? 

Third is to live our lives “rooted and built up in Him” (Colossians 2:6-7). Once our soil is prepared, sinful roots have been removed and a sturdy fence is in place, it’s time to sow seeds of righteousness. These new seeds help ensure that our root structure is firmly established and built up in the things of God, not the things of this world. Then when the heat of trials come, your leaves will always be green (Jeremiah 17:8 NIV), because your roots run deep into the streams of life. 

 “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground”(Hosea 10:12 NIV).

*This article also appeared on crosswalk.com