Bitterness

I’ve been simmering with negativity. Slow boil. Occasionally someone stirs the pot, which makes it worse. Stewing in critical juice just makes one bitter.

Weeds of bitterness have taken over my flower bed. I neglected to remove them in the early stages, and now they have established roots and invaded the whole garden.
 　
“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.”(Heb.12:15-17 MSG)

Esau’s story is told in Genesis, Chapter 25. Esau and Jacob were twin brothers. Esau was older by a few minutes, and thus had the birthright of being the heir. Esau recklessly gave up his birthright to Jacob in exchange for a bowl of stew. The desire for immediate gratification led to loss, which then led to bitterness.
 
God has granted us the gift of peace and contentment. Yet, like Esau, we trade it in for the satisfaction of anger and self-pity. We think we can go back to peace as we choose. However, once bitterness takes root, it sucks up all the nutrients and prevents peace from growing in your heart. As soon as we see the weeds of bitterness sprouting in our life, we must yank them out by the root.