Hebrews 12:15

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

     One of the easiest ways to sin in our anger is to allow ourselves to become bitter. The Bible warns us about bitterness on several occasions. Bitterness is really unresolved anger. When someone wrongs us, we have two choices: we can harbor angry feelings or we can choose to let it go. When we harbor and feed those angry feelings, we allow bitterness to creep into our lives. Like mold, once it seeps in, it is very hard to remove.

     One of the major problems with bitterness is that it actually hurts us more than it hurts the other person. While we can make the other person uncomfortable around us, they can leave the room if they get tired of it. We, however, are stuck with ourselves. We find ourselves thinking about it all the time. It can even get to the point that it consumes us. There is an underlying unhappiness that almost defines who we are. Often times, because our anger at these other people is always opened anew, we will lash out at those around us for a minor offense, or even no offense at all. Meanwhile, the object of our wrath continues their life unmolested.

     Even worse, it is an ungodly attitude. As Christians we need to be ready to forgive. And when we forgive, we need to forgive truly and fully. Sometimes we respond as if we have forgiven the person when we really have not. But God calls us to be forgiving as He is forgiving. How terrible would it be if God were bitter toward us? We also need to be of the mindset that is ready to forgive, even if it has not been asked of us. Jesus commands us to go and search our brother out so that he may ask to forgive us. Yet if we harbor bitterness, and relish the chance to remain angry, we will sin by not giving our brother the chance to do so.

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;