Looking at sinful bitterness through the lens of God’s Fatherly discipline is one of those principles that will give us an ability to stand firm in the face of trials and difficulties. So often sinful bitterness could be avoided if we would choose to view our situation through the lens of sanctifying purposes of our loving heavenly Father. Hebrews 12:15 reminds us, “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by this many become defiled;” As we see purpose in our circumstances, we can bear up under the weight of the trial. The bottom line is that bitter people will be in regular turmoil with themselves, with the Lord, and with the other peo[le around them. If we allow God’s discipline to have its intended effect, the resulting sanctification will make it far easier to live at peace with others.
