Joel Osteen Daily Devotional 12 August 2024 – No Bitter Root

Today’s Scripture

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. – Hebrews 12:15, NIV

Today’s Word

We all go through tough times, disappointments, and hurts. But we can’t let a bad break, a divorce, or a rough childhood cause us to get bitter. If we let bitter feelings take root, that bitter root will always produce bitter fruit. Bitter people don’t have good relationships. They’re too negative. When we’re bitter, it affects our attitudes. We see everything through a critical lens.

Nothing is ever good enough. Bitter people can smile on the outside, but inside they’re critical and filled with self-pity. Bitterness infects everything you do and follows you everywhere you go. When we hold on to things we should let go, refusing to forgive, remembering the worst, we only poison our own lives.

God is saying, “Get over it.” Life is flying by. You don’t have time to waste another minute being negative, offended, or bitter. If someone did you wrong or you had a bad break, get over it, quit reliving all the hurt, and move forward. God will make it up to you, and you’ll come to the new beginning He has in store.

Prayer For Today

“Father, thank You that I can prevent bitter roots from ever starting to grow in my life by letting go of whatever holds me back. Show me if there is anything that is causing me to be bitter or resentful, and help me to release the bitterness and forgive any person who hurt me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”