Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV
In Louisiana’s Criminal Code of Procedure, Revised Statute 14:38.1 speaks of mingling harmful substances. It is defined as mixing any harmful substance or matter with any food, drink, or medicine with the intent that the same shall be taken by any human being to his injury.
In our Scripture passage, a man named Simon was a magician. Through his magic, he had convinced many of his greatness. Many people in Samaria had been baptized but had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Peter and John prayed for this, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Simon saw this and wanted the same, so he offered them money to do this for him. Peter rebuked him saying to let his silver die with him because he thought he could obtain the gift of God with money. Peter went on to say that his heart was not right before God, and he needed to repent.
When we think of mixing harmful substances as we think of it in legal terms, we think of poisoning someone’s food. We have seen people kill someone by putting antifreeze in their drink. Many these days are dying of a drug overdose because a substance called fentanyl is being added to other illegal substances such as heroin.
And for the life of me, I will never figure out how someone came up with the idea of mixing things like battery acid, ammonium nitrate, and Sudafed to make Crystal Meth. And whoever thought it would not be harmful to put this in your body?
If you are not an addict, it’s easy to sit back and wonder why people would use such substances. But don’t we all use stuff that is not good for us? I know I take in way too much sugar. I had laid off the sugar for a while, but Easter did me in. I am trying to get off of it again. For me, it’s like a powerful drug. I know it’s not good for me, but it tastes good, so I eat it or drink it anyway.
Drugs make people feel good, or so they say. So, they take them knowing they could literally kill them.
But I’m not talking about chemical substances that we inhale or ingest. I’m talking about those things that cause spiritual death. Things like bitterness and unforgiveness can destroy us. Our Scripture passage warns against mixing things like bitterness, unforgiveness, slander, anger, and malice or evil intentions.
Hebrews 12:14-15 tells us we should strive for peace with everyone because this is how the world sees Christ through us. We are told to see to it that no one fails to obtain God’s grace. We are told not to let a “root of bitterness” spring up and cause trouble because bitterness can defile many.
My friend if you have unforgiveness and bitterness in your heart, you are mingling some very harmful substances. When we hold on to these things it’s as if we are not trusting God to handle these situations for us. Romans 12:19 tells us to leave vengeance to the Lord. That’s his job.
Bitterness and unforgiveness can lead to anger. Anger can lead to slander. Being angry and talking about all that is going on can lead us to evil thoughts and intentions. Trust me, you don’t want to go there. God will not honor that.
If you don’t give your troubles over to God, you may find yourself mingling some very harmful spiritual substances. I warn you not to do this. Doing so can be just as detrimental to your spiritual, emotional, and eternal well-being as antifreeze, fentanyl, and crystal meth can be to your physical well-being.
Maybe someone has done something to you that seems unforgivable. Maybe you feel like they just don’t deserve forgiveness. You may be right, but that’s for God to determine. We forgive others for our well-being, not for theirs.
Your unforgiveness doesn’t hurt them, they probably don’t even know or care whether or not you have forgiven them. But it goes a long way to help you.
If you wouldn’t think of putting poison into your body, why would you think of allowing unforgiveness and bitterness to poison your soul?
Have a great day!