LOOK CAREFULLY. Hebrews 12:15 The warning is repeated not so much for the sake of the obvious unbeliever who will perish, but for the sake of the effect such a person will have on genuine believers among whom he lives under the pretense of being a believer. The true measure of separation from the world is what we are separated unto. Something will be in our hearts. Our hands are affected – what I write; our feet go only where the Father wants; our ears hear the right things. We are stewards of our bodies as well as our gifts. The blood and oil were put on the ear, the thumb, and the foot of the priest. A bitter spirit is of the world, and its interests are temporal, not in the things of God that are spiritual. There may be among professed believers those who cannot find joy and peace because of the grace of God given to them. After they have “tasted” of heavenly things, they “fall short” because of unbelief in the wonderful blessings of grace amid the trials that make them bitter. They fall away from God’s grace and, in doing so, defile many who are genuine believers.
The grace of God maintains peace and holiness. To “fall short” of a heart cleansed by the grace of God leaves a “root of bitterness” and jealousy that trouble ourselves and other believers. It can destroy peace in an assembly of God’s people. Pride, animosity, rivalry, and other factors create problems that harm everyone involved.
If we allow it, disappointment can grow into resentment. Bitterness arises from dissension, jealousy, and immorality. The Holy Spirit within a believer can heal the hurts caused by bitterness. If bitterness persists, it is usually evident that the person who continues to hold that spirit is not a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. They do not have the Holy Spirit within them and have not personally experienced the grace of God. A grateful heart and a bitter spirit are incompatible.
Besides correction and consecration, caring for others is our concern. There are those in serious danger of "failing" or falling short of the grace of God. We are responsible for reaching out to those who fall short of the grace of God. We also need to care for them because of the results of the "root of bitterness." Those who are bitter produce enmity, false doctrine, and other serious issues that affect many and will cause trouble. The cause of bitterness may be small, but it defiles many. [1Cor.5; 1Tim.1:20; Tit.3:10; Mat.18:17; Rom.16:17; 2Thes.3:6-14; 2Jn.10].