grace vs bitterness

[steve]

Hbr 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;

grace is the norm, bitterness is the antidote

if we are not feeling the grace is it YHWH's fault?

 

[sola scriptura]

It seems that the quickest way to develop a root of bitterness is to ignore the grace of God in our lives.

Katie

 

[steve]

my point is that it is bitterness that wipes out grace.

not that the lack of grace contributes to bitterness, although this is also true.

 

[Tndreamergal]

One definition of GRACE is unmerited divine assistance freely given by God to humans for their regeneration or sanctification. I think of it as unconditional love offered to an undeserving soul. If that is somewhat close to truth, then I believe the relationship of grace to bitterness is defined beautifully in one of the first prayers we hear as children. In this the Lord points out how to prepare our hearts to accept Grace: (Matthew 6:12-14 Amplified Bible (AMP))12 “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven ([a]left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.” God’s Grace is like a cool clean brook, which God has caused to flow in front and around us to be free for our taking, yet bitterness will cause us to self-righteously hold fast to our thirst. By opening ourselves in kindness and mercy toward those that may have hurt us, we position ourselves to receive so much more of the same kindness and mercy from God. So simple, so difficult?

 

[Tali]

Well said, Pat. I like the imagery of the refreshing, available brook, and the fact that we so often choose to hang on to our thirst. Quite a picture!