The Big Choice: Grace or Bitterness

REFERENCE: Hebrews 12:15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Observation: It is when we fail to receive the grace of God that bitterness can develop. If we fully, completely understood how totally God accepts us, just as we are, there would be no room for bitterness. We get bitter when we feel like, no matter what we try to do, we just can’t earn the Lord’s favor. In a sense, that’s true. We can’t earn it. Grace is, by definition, a gift. The danger is that it is a gift we may fail to receive. When we live under law, feeling judged, condemned, as though we can not measure up, a root of bitterness is a common response. That root not only poisons us, stealing our joy and closeness with God, but it also corrupts others. Our negativity towards God and life oozes out of us and effects them.

Yet, it can all be avoided if we will simply receive the grace of God. Learn how much He loves us and how fully He accepts us, then we will bring health and not corruption to our family and friends as well as to ourselves.

Application/Confession: I am learning to live in God’s grace. I am not so good at it yet. I keep thinking that He is as disappointed in me as I am. I know that I have to grow so that I can remain healthy.

PRAYER: Lord, may I not fail to receive your grace. I know with my mind how fully and completely you love and accept me, help me to learn it with heart.