and the root of bitterness is ..... (clue : it is not your unforgiveness)

I'm a bit over people inferring "root of bitterness"
to my words that identify the beliefs of religious spirits.


These controlling spirits try to condemn 
and conform our freedom in the Spirit 
to that which is acceptable for them.


These words (that are branded "root of bitterness")
are what I consider to be part of 
"the renewing of our minds" and 
bringing down strongholds of the devil. 
(our battle is not with flesh and blood but with ......).


This can be done with levity !
(The Joy of Jesus is our Strength).




"Work at getting along with each other and with God. 
Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. 
Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. 
Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. 
A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. 
Watch out for the Esau syndrome: 
trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. 
You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act 
and wanted God's blessing—
but by then it was too late, tears or no tears." (TM)


[[[ In whom is the discontentment ?
Those missing out on God's generosity.


With what are they discontented? 
They are not getting the Goodness of God.
So the God preached has no value to them (like Esau).


Where does that lead?
To more discontentment in themselves, others and God !! ]]]]




Please read on, compare the translations from the Greek. 




Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], 
to see that no one falls back from 
and fails to secure God's grace 
(His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), 
in order that no root of resentment 
(rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth 
and causes trouble and bitter torment, 
and the many become contaminated and defiled by it-- (AMP)


[[[if your group is not enhancing your ability to secure 
(understand, be blessed by) God's Grace,
it will allow resentment to torment you.]]]


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Pursue the goal of peace along with everyone—
and holiness as well, 
because no one will see the Lord without it.
Make sure that no one misses out on God’s grace. 
Make sure that no root of bitterness grows up 
that might cause trouble and pollute many people. (CEB)


[[[ By not understanding what is true Grace,
a cycle of trouble begins and the gospel is polluted. ]]]


+


Be careful that no one fails to get God’s grace. 
Be careful that no one loses their faith and 
becomes like a bitter weed growing among you. 
Someone like that can ruin your whole group. (ERV)


[[[ If people don't get what Grace is about,
keep giving and being an example of Grace,
rather than reverting to authoritarianism (Law) ]]]


+


Make sure that everyone has kindness from God 
so that bitterness doesn’t take root and grow up 
to cause trouble that corrupts many of you. (GW)


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... and for those that follow the KJV religiously :-


Follow peace with all men, and holiness, 
without which no man shall see the Lord:
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; 
lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, 
and thereby many be defiled;


[[[ this is lazily interpreted by the religious,
that a person can fail in the Grace of God,
(which in itself is a devil idea !!!)
because Grace never fails, 
Jesus was crucified in our place.
one needs to study what it actually says :
"fail OF the Grace of God"


+


Be careful that no one fails to receive God's grace
 and begins to cause trouble among you. (NCV)


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You must understand that this is a grace-race and not a law-race. While we’re in compete- and compare-mode we create the opportunity for resentment to flourish and to poison many in the process. (We are all equally included in the same victory in Christ!)

A performance-driven mindset triggers the law system into action and distorts the picture: suddenly the fleeting moment of pleasure seems more attractive than your true portion, [Esau thinking] (which is what sin is all about, Greek, hamartia,  often translated, sin, is made up of two words,  ha, without, and meros, your portion.)      (Mirror)

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Clearly "root of bitterness" is not about one holding a grudge against someone. (please see this blog's post about forgiveness). 
It is not about hating because God hates the Esau way of thinking,(R9)
i.e. changing God's Promises for temporary gain.
So it can't be standing against religious controlling political spirits 
who have changed Grace into law for their own gain.


"Root of bitterness" is the starting place of trouble for people who have not been Graced. 




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Where there is no revelation of Grace, people become bitter and tormented, then trouble.

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[ ... ] square brackets indicate my contribution.