Talk Notes from Sunday

HOSTAGE
Breaking Free From Your Hurt

Jonathan Howes, Lead Pastor

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Heb 12:14-15

1. Bitterness has a dangerous root.

“See to it that…no bitter root grows up…” Heb. 12:15

2. Bitterness produces a poisonous fruit.

“…whenever (the bitter root) springs up, many are corrupted by its poison.” Heb 12:15 NLT

5 Qualities of Bitter People

1. Justify their bitterness.
2. Become overly critical.
3. Secretly celebrate misfortunes.
4. Write-off entire groups of people.
5. Struggle to see bitterness in the mirror.

*With whom or what are you bitter? _____________(write it down)

HOW DO WE KILL BITTERNESS?

3. Kill bitterness with forgiveness.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

Conclusion: Why is it so important to forgive others?

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15

PERSONAL PRAYER

“God, I admit that I’ve allowed a root of bitterness to grow against____________________. Please forgive me of this sin. By your power, give me a heart of compassion and forgiveness toward this person. I pray you would restore my wounded relationship(s). In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I pray that God is doing a supernatural miracle in your life so that you can forgive those who have hurt you.

God is good!
Johnny