Beware the poison of bitterness.

John sat down in my office, the weight of his life obvious in his lined face. I wanted to help him even though I didn't know him at all. No detective was required to see that he was in a dire financial condition , nearly homeless. Quickly it became apparent that his greater need was spiritual! As he began to talk with me his face twisted into a mask of hatred. He drifted into irrationality; lashing out at those who had tried to help him in the past, at the government he felt had deserted him, at preachers in general, and on it went for 20 minutes. His bitterness ranged all the way back to the day he came home from the Vietnam war and was met, so he claimed, in Newark airport by people who turned their back on him because of his uniform. His tirade seemingly exhausted him as he fell silent for a moment, then he declared that he was going home to end his terrible life. When he left my office, my heart was broken for him - poisoned as he is by bitterness.

Another lady that I love named Betty has had a hard life, too. Disappointment has dogged her steps in the years I've known her. In the last two years as she has endured chemotherapy for her cancer and the death of a daughter, but she is not embittered. Sad, yes, but bitter, no. She smiles, even as tears well up. She continues to offer encouragement, when she might just become a sponge soaking up sympathy. She inspires me!

What accounts for the difference between John and Betty? Why is one full of rage, the other able to cope with her sorrow so well?
The answer is a single word -FAITH! John faces life alone; feeling fearful, helpless, trapped, victimized. Betty faces life with the Father at her side, with a heart full of hope despite the setbacks, the sorrows she endures. Even when she speaks of death (usually with some kind of joke that helps her cope) she is full of hope. Does Betty like her situation? No! Would she rather be cancer-free? Of course. But, she has found acceptance in trusting God and His plans, even those plans which she does not yet fully understand.

The Scripture tells us- "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Hebrews 12:15 NIV The New Living Translation amplifies the thought- "Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special favor of God. Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by its poison." Faith flourishes in community, where our lives are inter-connected. When one among us is hit hard, others come alongside to lift her up. When someone is knocked off his feet and begins to doubt God, those who love him surround him to pick him up and hold him until he is steady once again.

Well, that's the way it ought to be. Often, it isn't like that. Somebody said, "The Church is the only army that shoots its wounded soldiers!" I don't know that I'd go that far, but sometimes we do turn away from those who are in greatest need. The Believer who has fallen into sinful disobedience and who is suffering the consequences of his choices does not need us to remind him "you reap what you sow, brother!" He needs us to encourage him to return to the embrace of the Father. The one who is struggling with doubt does not need our condemnation added to her confusion. She needs us to intercede, to ask the Spirit of God to hold her close. Our calling is to love the unlovely and often that one who is in greatest need is also most resistant to expressions of love. The Bible says that you and I are to 'see to it' that they experience the grace of God. It is the way they may be protected from the poison of bitterness!

Jude encourages you and me to remain in faith, standing strong. And he reminds us to care. In both decisions, we become an antidote for the poison of bitterness that destroys lives when left unchecked. Take this wonderful benediction with you today and let the wisdom of the Word saturate your heart. Be blessed, as you are a blessing to others.

But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit.
Live in such a way that God’s love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you.
Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.
Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins.
And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. --Jude 20-24