Get rid of bitterness by Dr Pat Francis

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." (Hebrews 12:15).   It is not 'if' we get offended but 'when'. It is not 'if' we offend others but 'when'.   As human we will cause offense and be offended by others.  Knowing this, we must create a strategy to preserve our soul. Offense leads to hurt, hurt leads to bitterness, and bitterness is like a cancer agent that if not kept in check slowly develops into a 'stronghold' call hate.  Bitterness cripples and hate destroys.    Charles Allen writes in God's Psychiatry: "I remember a scene from Amos and Andy. There was a big man who would slap Andy across the chest whenever they met.  Finally, Andy got enough of it and said to Amos: 'I am fixed for him.  I will put a stick of dynamite in my vest pocket and the next time he slaps me he is going to get his hand blown off.'  Andy had not realized that at the same time his own heart would be blown out.  The dynamite of hatred may inflict some injury on someone else but it will also blow out our own soul."    God's encouragement to us: "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." (Eph. 4:30-32).  Self-preservation is important.  Do a soul cleansing and throw out offenses heard and seen, and negative feelings in the pit of forgiveness. Then take a deep breath of freedom and declare: "Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty that I am free at last."   Kingdom Declaration: Thank God Almighty that I am free and shall remain free.   Read the Bible in One Year: Is. 56-58; 2 Thess. 2. @Dr Pat Francis @chayil$