A Destructive Root
Greeley and Seward helped to build the Republican party. Although they were very close, Greeley became bitter toward Seward because when Seward became most successful, he ignored Greeley. At the 1860 Republican convention for the presidential election, Greeley worked against Seward being nominated. This cost Seward the Republican nomination (Goodwin, Team of Rivals, p 80-81, 172, 242).
Bitterness can lead to acts of betrayal and revenge. We can become so bitter toward an individual that we act like the devil – we kill, steal, and destroy (Jn 10:10). Bitterness, like a root that is not seen, will eventually lead to visible manifestations. It will break through the surface at some point. By doing so, it can ‘defile many’ and cause us to ‘miss the grace of God’ (Heb 12:15).
We must avoid holding on to any thought of bitterness or revenge. Instead, we need to let go of anger (Eph 4:26-27) and be doing what God wants us to be doing (Eph 4:28, 30). If we truly want to be able to get rid of all of our bitterness (Eph 4:31), we must communicate in ways that are only intended to build up others (Eph 4:29). In addition, we need to be kind and forgiving (Eph 4:32). Greeley could have forgiven Seward without helping him become president. However, hurting Seward was an act of bitterness and revenge. Love is not vengeful.
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.