Devotionals by Raul Ries

SUNDAY May 17, 2026

Beware of the Root of Bitterness

...looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled....
Hebrews 12:15

Paul had already addressed the subject of chastening and its benefits. He also spoke about the issues of pursuing peace and holiness ...without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). He moved to the subject of bitterness. What can bitterness do? It can defile a person so that they are no longer useable in the ministry. Bitterness influences many other people because of the poison that spews from an infected person’s heart.

Many believers in the church have become defiled because of bitterness; they have to be careful not to presume upon the grace of God. You must be careful of that. If you find yourself bitter toward another Christian, then get to the root of the problem. If you do not deal with your bitterness, it will take root and grow. Go before the Lord and ask Him to help you make things right. Repent of any bitter things you have said to cause pain to another person.

Listen, if somebody has caused you to become bitter, then go to that person. What I like to do is go to that person and make sure that my heart is right by saying, “You know what? If I have offended you, I want you to forgive me, because I do not want you to be bitter toward me, and neither do I want to have bitterness in my heart toward you.” If they remain bitter, and they do not want to forgive you, then you have done your part toward them, and you can just leave the situation in the hand of God.

Do not worry about it anymore. Just make sure you no longer have any bitterness in your heart toward them. Guard yourself against bitterness. Again, if you have made peace with God and with them, and you have peace with yourself, you can rest in the love of Christ.

A cup brimful of sweetness cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, no matter how suddenly jarred.
~Amy Carmichael~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!