Bad Roots
Notes
Transcript
Bad Roots
Bad Roots
Roots arent always a good thing (weeds, thorns, invasive species)
Ruin the garden, hog all the nutrients, posion the soil
Harm the other plants
The Bible talks about roots in both positive AND negative ways
- “Root of Bitterness”
What does bitter mean? Sharp taste, lack of sweetness, sour
Also means: anger or dissapointment at being treated unfairly, resentment
In Hebrew culture and language bitter meant poison
How do we respond when were treated wrongly?
Retaliation: Anger, Rage, even Violence (getting even)
Kent: Getting punched in the face
Resentment and bitterness (civilized revenge)
The warning many may become defiled
Things to “put away”: bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, malice
Instead be: kind, tenderhearted and forgiving (grace when its towards imperfect people)
Root of Bitterness = Unforgiveness
What is forgiveness: A determined attitude to give up your resentment towards someone who’s wronged you regardless of how painful it was. You give up the resnetment about the wrong itself and you give up the desire to get even.
What is wrong with Bitterness, Unforgiveness, Holding a grudge?
#1 Deliberately resenting the wrong and the wrongdoer is poisonous
Associaed with: bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, malice
These attitudes can even have negative impacts on your health
It’s like making a poison drink for someone else and then taking little sips day after day
#2 Clings to the past
(three objects and a rubber band)
Constantly looking back, being pulled back into the hurtful feelings
Playing the painful episodes of your life over and over again
We do it because it justifies the way we feel, but it prevents us from enjoying our present and future
#3 It dishonours God
“forgive each other, just asGod in Christ also has forgiven you.”
(Seventy times seven)
We may need to set boundaries but we must forgive
It’s prideful, it’s rebellious
Consequences of bitterness and unforgiveness
Affects our prayer
Affects our worship
Affects our spiritual well-being
Affects our relationships
So what do we do
Take it seriously. Own it.
Choose to lay down anger
If it’s possible, ask for forgiveness
Don’t keep rehashing the same old issue in your mind or with others
In order to put down good roots and grow we need to uproot the “bad roots” of bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness.
How do we know weve forgiven someone? Our feelings will change. We will want what’s best for them. We won’t wish bad things for them. We won’t even demand an apology from them.