A New Day

By: Pastor Johnie Akers   

Hebrews 12:15, “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.” Rubin “Hurricane” Carter was an incredibly gifted boxing champion. However in 1966, his career and his life were dealt a severe blow. He and another man were wrongfully convicted of murder. Carter spent 19 years in prison, maintaining his innocence and fighting for his freedom. His unjust verdict was ultimately overturned and Carter was set free.  After his release, he said, “Wouldn’t anyone under those circumstances have a right to be bitter? . . . I’ve learned that bitterness only consumes the vessel that contains it. And for me to permit bitterness to control or infect my life in any way whatsoever would be to allow those who imprisoned me to take even more than . . . they’ve already taken.” I once heard a pastor say, “Bitterness and unforgiveness is like drinking poison, and then waiting on the other person to die.” As our Scripture lesson today reminds us, bitterness can become rooted in our lives and subsequently spring up, tainting every part of our being. To avoid this, it is imperative to prevent any seeds of bitterness from germinating and subsequently taking root in our hearts. We must constantly be on guard and not allow malicious words or deeds—intended or unintended—to remain as seed in the soil of our hearts. Just as seeds falling into broken ground are more likely to germinate, so seeds of unforgiveness falling into a broken heart are more likely to take root. The example of Christ sets the benchmark to which we should aspire. Hanging on the cross, moments before His death, Jesus looked upon those who had tortured and crucified Him, and prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).” Today, refuse to allow any “root of bitterness” to spring up in your life as a result of the wrongs others have done. In doing so, you can live a life free of bitterness, and enjoy the liberty and peace that comes with a heart of forgiveness, as you live out the example of Christ for each new day.