Roots of Bitterness

“See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.” Hebrews 12:15, NASB.

In many parts of Northern Thailand, people feel a very strong cultural desire for approval from their parents. Meui, a Mien girl, was born into a family where her mother was a Christian and her father an animist. At a young age, her family could not provide her with the education or support she needed, so she was sent to a mission boarding school for underprivileged children. Soon, she accepted Christian beliefs as her own, but at the price of her father’s rage and isolation.

Bitterness and anger became a stronghold in Meui’s life. Bitterness continued to torture her until at the age of 19, when she met another believer who shared similar rejection from her parents. This woman, however, forgave her parents. The concept of forgiveness seemed foreign to Meui. As she contemplated forgiving her dad, Meui truly felt God’s presence. She began to pray and ask the Lord to work in her heart. Eventually she was able to let go of the bitterness, which made an immediate difference in the way she felt.

Over the next few weeks, Mieu was surprised at how her reactions and feelings toward others changed so drastically. With the help of her loving Savior, she was able to forgive her father for his alcoholism, gambling debts, and most importantly for his hatred towards her. Since this turning point in Meui’s life, her father even noticed the changes in his daughter. Over time, he came to respect, love, and accept Mieu for who she was and what she believed.

Pray that:

Many Mien believers will discover the difference that God-assisted forgiveness makes in overcoming bitterness.

Meui will be used of God to help others struggling with bitterness over parental rejection.

Meui’s family will come to faith in a loving, forgiving Savior.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.