Healing Family Relationships: Finding Healing Through ForgivenessНамуна

In Hebrews, we are called to "strive for peace with everyone," and, if we are to do that with our family members, we need to make sure that there is no “root of bitterness” in our hearts. If you plant a seed and then walk away and forget about it, what is that seed going to do? It is going to grow roots, sprout into a plant, and eventually bear fruit. The same thing happens when a seed of hurt is planted in our hearts. Unless we specifically address it through an intentional forgiveness process, it will grow a "root of bitterness." Notice, then, that a root of bitterness always grows up to do two things. First, what grows from that root is going to cause trouble; and, second, it will defile many.

This is why it is so urgent that we deal with the seed, and any roots, before they produce their destructive fruit. Ask God to help you identify any bitter roots that may be growing in your heart and begin the process of forgiveness today.

Reflection Question: Can you identify a "bitter root" that has developed in your heart because of a past hurt that was never addressed through forgiveness?