Not everything we love in life is necessarily healthy or good. I recently observed a relationship that had grown extremely toxic. At some point the pure sacrificial love had changed into a sick inward focused obsession. Friend, this is not the love of God. So many covenant relationship couples take far too lightly the warning to get rid of the source of all accusations (Rev.12:10). For instance, your spouse left without saying goodbye this morning, so you are thinking to yourself – that was done on purpose because my spouse is “punishing” me. Friend, such accusations have no place in the mind of a disciple of Christ. Either reject it or you will exchange your healthy covenant relationship into a bitter root.

The author of Hebrews warns us to be … “LOOKING DILIGENTLY lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any ROOT OF BITTERNESS springing up trouble you, and thereby many be DEFILED” (Hebrews 12:15 KJV).

Do you see the three steps to mental harmony, relational peace, & eternal salvation in this verse?

First, be DILIGENT about what we allow ourselves to dwell on. We must take every thought captive that is inwardly focused and replace it with the outward focused love of God. As a disciple it is not about being served but serving!

Secondly, avoid ROOTS OF BITTERNESS by adding godly emotions from our heart to our now Christ obedient thoughts. Add emotions like “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Col.3:12).

And finally, put on display the light of God for all the world to see – a life that is not DEFILED.

To sum all up in one word, we can avoid becoming bitter by SERVING.