Highlight:

“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”

Hebrews 12:15

Explanation:

The idea here is an evangelistic one.  He is speaking to people who know about Christ, who have been convinced of Christ, but may have not trusted in Christ.  This is dealing with people who are in an apostate condition who get bitter in their state of unrepentance and become “defiled”.  This dangerous heart of unbelief is very dangerous.  Bitterness is a grave danger as well.  Here we find that it defiles.  It corrupts.  It kills.  Someone once said, “Bitterness is like swallowing poison and hoping someone else dies.”  It’s not good.

Application:

The opposite reaction was given to us in the previous verses.  Pursue…

• Peace with all men
• Holiness before God (Salvation and Sanctification)

Response:

Is there any “root of bitterness” in me toward anyone?