In this episode, David Sommerdorf addresses the "giant of bitterness" by emphasizing the biblical necessity of handling offenses properly to prevent them from becoming deep-seated roots. Building on the previous steps of expecting offenses and refusing to take them personally, Sommerdorf highlights the command in Matthew 18:15 to approach an offending party alone first rather than gossiping or building a "coalition" against them. He illustrates the "incredible damage" caused by ignoring this principle through a personal anecdote in which he publicly criticized a difficult employee, only to feel regret when the man later thanked him for his patience and fatherly example. Sommerdorf concludes that failing to deal with issues privately leads believers to "create their own monsters"—unnecessary conflicts and reputational damage—whereas following God's instruction fosters humility and reconciliation.

In this message, David Somerdorf explores biblical strategies for preventing bitterness by correctly managing personal offenses. Drawing from Matthew 18, he argues that believers must first expect to be offended as an unavoidable part of human existence. The second step involves refusing to take offense, a feat achieved by immersing oneself in the Word of God. By reflecting on the law of God, individuals recognize their own sinfulness and status as offenders before a holy Creator. This realization fosters humility and patience, making it easier to forgive others. Ultimately, a deep relationship with Jesus Christ transforms a person’s perspective, replacing a defensive spirit with long-suffering and peace.

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.

In this powerful message from Wisdom From The Word, Pastor David Summersdorf turns to Hebrews 12:14–15 to confront one of the most destructive forces in the Christian journey—the giant of bitterness. Through Scripture and a heartfelt personal story, he reveals how bitterness silently takes root in the heart, destroying friendships, marriages, and ministries. Pastor Summersdorf explains what it means to “fail of the grace of God,” not as a loss of salvation, but as a tragic loss of fellowship and strength in Christ. This episode calls believers to recognize, resist, and overcome the root of bitterness before it defiles their lives and relationships.