More Compassionate Relationships // Pastor Brad Johnson

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 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 12:14, 15 Our spiritual enemy wants to plant small, seeds of offense that will grow into a root of bitterness. You can't control what people think about you, what they say about you, or what they do to you, but with God's help you can control how you respond. What is the Problem with Bitterness? BITTERNESS HAS A DANGEROUS ROOT See to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble. Hebrews 12:15 Love keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:5 BITTERNESS HAS A POISONOUS FRUIT See to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 “God, please reveal anything that is growing beneath the surface of my soul, that needs to be pulled up by the roots and healed by your Spirit.” How Do We Kill a Root of Bitterness? Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31, 32 Kill Bitterness with Compassion. Do not be overcome by evil, overcome evil by doing good. Romans 12:21 Jesus, “Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:28 Kill Bitterness with Forgiveness. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32