“Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” – Hebrews 12:15 NLT

Somewhere along in your journey in life, someone you cared about or admired said things like:

– “You’re awful at this!”

– “Why do you always mess things up?”

– “Can you ever get anything right?”

– “You’re just not good enough.”

Those hurtful words might have been spoken long ago, but they still linger in your mind today, sometimes with the same sharpness as when they were first said. I’ve seen many athletes give up because someone told them they weren’t capable. Instead of refining their skills or addressing their weaknesses, they shut down. Some even walked away from their dreams.

Are you clinging to past remarks that were meant to tear you down? If so, I’m genuinely sorry that happened. But consider if those words bypassed the guard of your heart. Maybe you’re reluctant to start something new because someone keeps reminding you of your past mistakes. Maybe something a parent or an ex said is holding you back.

If disappointment isn’t dealt with healthily, it can turn into bitterness. When we hold onto disappointment, keep discussing it, and remind others about it, bitterness takes root in our hearts. Living a life full of potential becomes unattainable because we’ve anchored ourselves to that negative moment. Instead of replaying the negativity, it might be time to release it. Start listening to the God who has inscribed you on the palm of His hand. 

I love an old quote “Bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick.” Let me end on this, what God knows about us is more important than what others think, especially when it is in the past.