Have you experienced rejection?

There are a few deep roots to addictions. We’ve spoken about a few of them this week, and I hope they’ve been of help. Today, we need to finish this series with the most serious root of all, the root of bitterness.

Have you ever struggled with a root of bitterness? 

The Bible specifically warns against bitterness: “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Hebrews 12:15, NIV)

In my work as a counselor, I’ve seen many clients who have experienced hurt, abuse and rejection. If the emotions that accompany these traumas are not properly processed, a root of bitterness naturally develops. 

Because we are triune people (each of us has a soul, body and spirit), soul pain can become a playground for the enemy. In fact, the Apostle Paul warned, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26-27, NIV)

The word foothold comes from the Greek word for topography. In other words, hurt and unprocessed anger can give place to the devil in our lives.

It’s time to take back real estate from the devil. We need to uproot any roots of bitterness and take back our emotional, spiritual and physical health.

Here are a few steps that helped me and others:

1. Ask God to forgive you for all your failures. It’s always good to start with humility.
2. Forgive all those who have hurt you. Don’t forget that there are three steps to forgiveness. Check out the 30 Day Journey to Emotional Health for a deeper look.
3. Tell the devil to go back to hell. He has no right to the real estate in your mind.
4. Ask the Holy Spirit to heal all of your hurts. They are real, but so is He.

You can uproot these bitter roots, or they can grow and bear rotten fruit. 

You’ve got this, because God has prepared you to uproot any roots of bitterness and heal you completely.

Because you’re a miracle.