Bitterness and Physical Healing

There is a strong correlation between bitterness and some physical sickness. Sicknesses such as cancers, allergies, auto-immune issues and more have been shown to have roots in bitterness. Bitterness often results from trauma or perceived unfair treatment by others through sin. If there is no forgiveness of self/others or healing to the heart a root of bitterness may result.

In the Old Testament we see the connection of bitterness to physical sickness. As the Israelites began their journey into the desert they found themselves at the bitter waters of Marah. Unable to drink the bitter water, the Lord instructs Moses to place a piece of wood into the water. The wood cleanses the water making it drinkable to the thirsty Israelites.

The Lord then immediately instructs the people that if they obey the Lord and do what is right in His sight (live purified like the waters) He will not place any of the diseases of Egypt on them and promises healing to their bodies (ref. Exodus 4:26). Thus, we see the correlation of freedom from bitterness and healing.

The cleansing of the water by the wood is symbolic of Jesus cleansing us of our sins through His death on the cross. Like it or not, bitterness and unforgiveness is a sin (ref. Hebrews 12:15) that we need cleansing from.

“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

Furthermore, we are required to forgive others in order to receive God’s gift of forgiveness. It’s also a key to deliverance from demonic spirits so if a spirit is causing sickness it will be necessary to forgive in order to cast the spirit out.

As outlined in Ephesians 4, we are called to remove the sin of bitterness from our life and the remedy is forgiveness (ref. Ephesians 4:30-31). When we live purified from bitterness through forgiveness of others and ourselves we too can be free of sickness resulting from bitterness.

"All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:30-31