Guard Your Heart

Looking diligently lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you
Hebrews 12:15

The phrase 'looking diligently' comes from the Greek word episkopos, which means to supervise, oversee, and correct (It's where the word 'bishop' originates). So you are the overseer of your heart. Each day you must monitor, direct and correct what goes on there. You can't blame your bad attitude, resentment and unforgiveness on others. You are responsible! When somebody offends you, it's up to you whether or not you let bitterness take root. You can't control what other people do, but it's the 'inside' part - the part you can control - that God holds us accountable for. You get to decide whether or not irritation turns into anger, anger into resentment, and resentment into retaliation. Paul says, 'Looking diligently lest any… root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and… many be defiled' (Hebrews 12:15 ).
The reason weeds take over a garden is because the gardener doesn't pull them up fast enough. When your garden is choked by weeds you can't say, 'I don't know how it happened!' When you are 'looking diligently' you will see them moving in. The only way to stay free of the weeds the enemy wants to sow in your life is to be attentive to the condition of your heart. When you're faced with a hurtful, offensive situation, refuse to let a wrong attitude take root and produce bad fruit. Instead, ask God to help you replace those destructive thoughts with mercy and forgiveness towards the people who hurt you. The Bible says, 'Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life' (Proverbs 4:23 ).http://www.thevine.nz.co