Like poison to the body, bitterness is toxic to the soul and body of a person. It is so toxic that the Scripture says “…a root of bitterness defiles many” (Hebrews 12:15). When we are caught in a root of bitterness, everything is tinged with darkness and distorted, even our countenances. Our “guard is up,” so that reconciliation with an estranged brother is impossible. We aren’t too inclined to “receive one another, as Christ also received us” (Romans 15: 7).

Many diseases have been attributed to bitterness, such as arthritis and diseased gall bladders (“gall” means “a bitter fluid.”) What modern affliction comes to mind in this passage: “I walk slowly all my years because of the bitterness of my soul” […]