BIG SANDY, Texas--In the book of Hebrews is a section of Scripture that can be very useful to believers who are dealing with disappointment and anger. Hebrews 12:15 talks about a "root of bitterness."

Have you ever dealt with a root of bitterness? You may have had a rare occurrence when bitterness manifested itself in volatile expressions of anger. But it is more likely that you have had bitterness manifesting itself in quiet times of hurt, discouragement or depression.

In his book Total Forgiveness, R.T. Kendall makes some references about bitterness. On page 75, he writes:

"One way we walk in darkness is by holding bitterness in our hearts towards others--bitterness that creates confusion in our minds and oppression in our hearts."

Dr. Kendall later discusses the dangers of keeping a record of wrongs against others. From page 126:

"Total forgiveness obviously sees the evil but chooses to erase it. Before a grudge becomes lodged in the heart, the offense must be willfully forgotten. Resentment must not be given an opportunity to set in."

On page 127 he writes:

"Love is a choice. It is an act of the will. Keeping a record of wrongs is also an act of the will--a choice not to love--and it is the more natural, easy choice for us to make."