Hebrews
12:15 “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitteress springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled”
#1 – Unforgiveness … when Bitterness gets a foothold in your mind then you begin to make a record of all the “wrongs” others have done to you. Just the mention of someone’s name may trigger some painful or hurtful memories you need to make certain you have truly forgiven
#2 – Resentment … as you record the “wrongs” done against you then you begin to meditate and “chew” on those things. You think in your mind but feel in your heart. Resentment is a spiritual problem, not a psychological problem. Resentment is part of the conflict in your life.
#3 – Retaliation … if you let Resentment get a foothold in you then Retaliation follows it. Letting it simmer in your mind brings up ways you want to “get back at some person” who caused you to suffer. You are saying “it is time for PAYBACK” and time to get even
#4 – Anger … you didn’t resolve and let go of Resentment then Anger comes upon you.
You let the bitterness turn to unforgiveness, then resentment, then retaliation, and now the stronger feelings are building up. God says “don’t let the sun set on your Anger”. Do you have anger that is ruling your spirit? Who / what really upsets you and sets you off?
#5 – Hatred … as Anger works itself in you then comes Hatred who says: “Because I remember what you did to me, I have been meditating on it, I really resent you, now I am going to really get even with you.” My “pressure-cooker” is going full steam, I am adding fuel to it right now and there is no reason for you to even exist anymore in my presence. Hatred says “you and I cannot even stay in the same room together”. You have to go. Feelings of eliminating the person come in, working on your emotions and thoughts.
#6 – Violence …if Hatred is not stopped it sets the stage for Violence, who says: “before I eliminate you, you are going to “FEEL MY PAIN”, you will hear my voice, you will know my hatred, and you are going to “experience it”
#7 – Murder … if Violence erupts all that is left from the fruit of bitterness is Murder. Physical murder, character assassination or verbal abuse. The combination of hatred – violence – murder in a person’s life makes the person feel justified and everybody else “is going to pay the price”. Have you ever been a “victim” of this mindset?