Join David Somerdorf for "Wisdom from the Word" as we continue studying the giant in our journey: the root of bitterness. Identified in Hebrews 12:15, bitterness is the only thing that can cause a Christian to fail of the grace of God. It is an illogical passion of the heart, not an intellect of the mind.

We examine the source of this worthy foe, which comes from two places: the old sin nature (not the new nature in Jesus Christ) and a source identified in James chapter 3 as coming from below; it is earthly, sensual, and devilish, not from above.

If you have a beating heart, you are a candidate for this human experience. Bitterness associates with a rough crowd, including wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice. The Bible commands us to put all bitterness away—to divorce it.

Learn the two primary ways bitterness occurs:

1. When others (like a spouse, pastor, or boss) do not live up to or meet your expectations.

2. Through the improper handling of offenses.

While we all anticipate being offended, many do not know the biblical steps to handle these offenses. The program concludes by setting the stage for the next study, which will look at Matthew chapter 18 for instruction on how to biblically deal with offenses and gain victory over this giant.