THE POISONOUS ROOT
If you have ever raised asparagus, you will understand the concept of a ‘poisonous root.’ You plant asparagus as a root. The first year it just lies there under the surface of the ground and you get the idea that maybe it has disappeared or died. But the second year, it comes springing up and you have your crop. Bitterness can lay seemingly dormant under the surface for months or years and then, suddenly, it springs up and takes over. The Bible warns about bitterness very clearly in several passages. In Hebrews 12:14-15, we read, “Pursue peace with all people…that no poisonous root (root of bitterness – KJV) may spring up and cause trouble and that many may not be defiled by it.”