Take Every Thought CaptiveSample

Bitterness often blocks blessing. It also kills joy and corrupts hearts. And it is one of the things that “above all else” we must guard our hearts from receiving.

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. (Heb. 12:15 NLT)

To corrupt means to “rot, spoil” or “to alter from the original or correct form or version.” Bitterness doesn’t spoil the ones who hurt us. Note: it spoils us. Might we have a bitter root?

Do we hate people who have things better than us?

Do we hold back from praying for blessings for others?

Do we covet things and harbor resentment about what we didn’t get?

Do we feel ripped off?

Do we have a hard time praying for certain people?

Do we put people down in our minds?

Negative and condemning thoughts can point to bitter roots. Our root-life determines our fruit-life. A bitter root will create bad fruit. We can’t go around with a bitter root and expect to walk in joy and life. Bad roots do not make good fruit. Nor do they make good disciples of Jesus that shine His light to unbelievers. “For each tree is known by its own fruit” (Luke 6:44 ESV). The only way to handle a bitter root is to yank out the whole underground root system. It can be a lot to pull out at one time (I should know). But the entire root must be plucked up—accompanying thoughts and all.

To think as Christ thinks, to love as He loves, and to act as He acts, we cannot act from roots of bitterness. How do we have an attitude that God can bless? Where do we start? We start with forgiveness and release. “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matt. 6:15). Forgiveness immediately removes the stronghold of bitterness.

Entitlement is another major source of bitter roots: I deserve this. I should have this. I should be treated better. Things are unfair. No one appreciates me. What can we do to destroy entitled attitudes? What is another major antidote to bitterness? Thankfulness. Thankfulness leads us into the healing presence of God.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting,

And His truth endures to all generations. (Ps. 100:4–5 NKJV)

While bitter roots thrive in dry and parched ground where we figure “God never shows up,” thankfulness recounts the goodness of God and rejoices in the splendor of all He’s about to do. Do you remember the ten lepers who went to Jesus for healing (Luke 17:11–19)? Nine didn’t come back and say thank you. One did. That one got a deeper healing. Gratitude heals deeply. What bitterness might you need to repent of, and what gratefulness can take its place?

If bitterness pops up, root it out like the warrior you are. Then give thanks; God has a better plan for you. Thanksgiving builds hope. Go and hope again! Hope as you believe the best in others. Hope as you trust God has a good plan. Hope as you rely on God to handle the other person’s problems with them.

It is written in Scripture that there are three things that last: faith, hope, and love (1 Cor. 13:13). When you operate with these three front and center in your mind instead of anger, bitterness, and judgment, you build into what is eternal instead of temporal. And, even more, you think like Christ, who is always full of faith, hope, and love.

Let these three things be the foundation of your mind, and you will have a good mind to love others well, influence them with hope, and offer them faith for impossible situations. You won’t just find your mind renewed but filled with walk-on-water faith too.

Today’s Declaration: I choose to root myself in faith, hope, and love instead of anger, bitterness, and judgment!

We hope this Reading Plan encouraged you! Read more about taking your thoughts captive with Kelly's book Take Every Thought Captive, available here and wherever books and eBooks are sold.