Refuse the Poison

Hebrews 12:14-15 (NLT) Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 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.

Isn't it crazy to think how simple our instructions are on how to live an abundant life, full of joy and fulfillment in God, yet many struggle to receive all God has for them and are truly missing out? I know many people who are so angry, hurt and bitter because of something someone did to them so long ago - they still want to talk about it and live in their misery. The writer of Hebrews says to watch out - do not allow the root of bitterness to grow in you for it is a poison and not only does it trouble you, it will corrupt many.

As Christians we are to look after each other and lift one another up with encouragement, when something is out of order or when someone falls into temptation we are supposed to help them get back on track and remind them of the love of God, not condemn them. The Holy Spirit is the only who comforts and counsels, guides and restores and we get to be vessels of honor for those in need.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NLT) In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

One of our jobs is to live peaceably with everyone - that can be a challenge but if we are meditating on the Word every day like we are supposed to be, then it becomes much easier. The Bible is like an owner's manual for our lives, it has guidelines and instructions on how to live a life pleasing to God and in return we are blessed no matter what is happening around us - we are able to rejoice! When we throw out the owner's manual to a piece of equipment and suddenly things aren't working right, we will run into some problems. In order to be prepared for our life's journey, we should be studying the Word which is our Sword against the enemy and know what to do in difficult situations. Living life our own way and allowing anger and bitterness to become deeply rooted in our lives is a recipe for disaster and a future of heartache and pain. But no matter where you are today emotionally or spiritually, God is waiting for you to surrender to His will with open arms - full of love, not hate - so the Holy Spirit can do a great work in you and through you. Refuse the poison from the enemy and choose to live for God - forgiving and set free!