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VERSE

“And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat from it, for in the day of your eating from it, dying you shall die.”

DEVOTIONAL

While meditating on Genesis 2:17 this morning, a striking revelation dawned upon me—our hearts are like vast gardens, teeming with many trees that we actively tend or neglect. Yet, among them, there often stands a tree of unforgiveness, deeply rooted and bearing the bitter fruit of resentment. Far too many of us unknowingly nurture this tree, relishing the taste of past wounds and injustices, not realising that with every bite, we are slowly poisoning ourselves.

It is so easy to fall into the trap of feeding our hurts, reliving past wrongs, and letting bitterness take root. We savour the feeling of righteous indignation, thinking it gives us control or justice. But what we fail to recognise is that this bitterness is a silent poison—one that begins to distort our view of the world and our relationships. Poisoning is the root of all folly. In this altered state, we no longer see clearly. We make reckless decisions, we lash out, and we create destruction, all while unaware of the spiritual intoxication taking place within us.

The Bible reminds us of this in Hebrews 12:15, which warns us to,

“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble and defiles many.”

Bitterness, like a root, can grow deep if left unchecked, spreading beyond our own hearts to poison those around us. In Deuteronomy 29:18, God warns of a “root that produces such bitter poison,” showing that when we allow unforgiveness to grow, it does more than just harm us—it affects all who come into contact with it. It is a poison that taints everything it touches with death.

When we refuse to let go of past hurts and injustices, it is similar to wearing the dark glasses of unforgiveness. No matter how bright the sun is shining, we still live in a world of shadows. But it is all about perception.

Unforgiveness skews our vision, distorting reality like a dark filter over our souls. It taints our interactions, making even acts of kindness seem suspicious and turning opportunities for healing into reminders of past wounds. The longer we hold onto it, the more we adjust to the darkness, mistaking it for reality.

But the truth is, the sun has never stopped shining. The light of God’s grace is always present, ready to illuminate our hearts the moment we choose to remove the lens of bitterness. Forgiveness does not change the past, but it changes how we see it. It allows us to step out of the shadows and into the clarity of God’s truth, where healing, freedom, and restoration await.

There is hope, however. As a tree planted by streams of water flourishes, so too can our hearts when they are rooted in forgiveness and trust in God, which itself is rooted in a living and abiding relationship with Christ. Jeremiah 17:7-8 reminds us,

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He is like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.”

When we trust God with our hurts and choose forgiveness, our hearts begin to heal, and the fruits of peace, joy, and love begin to grow.This is why spiritual practice is such a foundational principle for life.

When we allow ourselves to be intoxicated by bitterness, we lose sight of God’s grace and truth. Matthew 7:17-20 makes it clear:

“Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit… Thus, by their fruit, you will recognise them.”

Let us choose the fruit of forgiveness, allowing the tree of our hearts to bear life-giving fruit that blesses both ourselves and those around us.

The choice to forgive may not always be easy, and the path to healing may be slow, but we are not alone. God’s grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. May we choose today to uproot the tree of unforgiveness, allowing the tender shoots of grace and peace to take their place.

Remember, the bitter, poisonous fruit can only remain as long as we allow the tree of unforgiveness to remain rooted in our hearts. If we stop feeding it, watering it, and tending it, it will die.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Is there a root of bitterness in my heart that I have been feeding, either knowingly or unknowingly?
2. How can I begin to surrender my hurt and choose forgiveness today, trusting God with my wounds?
3. In what areas of my life can I invite God’s healing to restore peace and lead me toward spiritual clarity?

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the reminder of the power of forgiveness. I come before You today, acknowledging the trees in my heart—both the healthy ones and the ones that have been tainted by unforgiveness. Lord, I ask for Your grace to uproot any bitterness and to fill me with the peace that only You can provide. Heal my wounds and help me to see others through Your eyes of love and compassion, trusting that you work our everything for my benefit. Guide me in choosing forgiveness, even when it feels hard, knowing that it is not for the benefit of others alone but for my own freedom and well-being. I trust You, Lord, to restore and refresh my heart so that I may bear fruit that glorifies You.

In Jesus’ name, I pray,

Amen.