From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Senior Pastor of the House of Purpose Ministry in U/Sunday, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Apostle Yusuf Yakubu, has warned that bitterness is a hidden force working against the progress of individuals, families, and the nation as a whole.
During his sermon on Sunday, July 12, 2027, Apostle Yakubu based his message on Hebrews 12:14-15, Luke 7:24, and Ephesians 4:31, urging Christians to protect their hearts from offenses to fully experience God’s promises.
He described bitterness as “a hidden spiritual poison that destroys your joy, peace, relationships, and even your health.” He explained that bitterness often starts as a small offense but can grow into a root that contaminates every part of a person’s life.
“Many people carry great promises and potential from God, but bitterness blocks the flow of grace and favor,” the cleric stated. “To flourish requires a heart free from offenses.”
Apostle Yakubu noted that at the national level, bitterness manifests as division, tribalism, political rivalry, and a lack of forgiveness among leaders and citizens. He noted that such attitudes have hampered unity, development, and trust in Nigeria.
In families, he observed, bitterness destroys marriages, creates distance between parents and children, and fosters unforgiveness that can be passed down through generations. “A bitter home cannot be a peaceful home, and a home without peace cannot raise flourishing children,” he said.
Within the Christian community, the pastor warned that bitterness hinders prayers, quenches the Holy Spirit, and weakens fellowship. Citing Hebrews 12:15, he said, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”
He emphasized that bitterness not only hurts the person who offended us but also defiles many others around us. “When one person is bitter in church, in the office, or in the family, the entire environment becomes heavy,” he added.
Drawing from Luke 7:24, Apostle Yakubu reminded believers that God is calling His people to be messengers of peace, not carriers of grudges. He said Christians must learn to release those who have hurt them so they can walk in God’s purpose.
The pastor listed three major effects of bitterness. First, he said, it robs people of joy and peace. Second, it destroys relationships and creates division. Third, it affects physical health, leading to stress, sickness, and emotional exhaustion.
To fight the spirit of bitterness, Apostle Yakubu urged believers to practice forgiveness daily, no matter how difficult it may be. He said forgiveness is not excusing wrong but choosing to hand the offense over to God.
He also advised Christians to pray for those who hurt them, to speak blessings rather than curses, and to avoid dwelling on past hurts. “Ephesians 4:31 tells us to put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking. That is how we stay in line with the Gospel of Christ,” he explained.
Apostle Yakubu further encouraged regular meditation on God’s Word, worship, and fellowship with other believers as practical ways to keep the heart clean. He said a heart filled with the Word has no room for bitterness to grow.
He reminded the congregation that God has great plans for Nigeria, but those plans can only be fulfilled when the people choose healing over hatred and unity over offense. “A nation of bitter people cannot flourish. A church of bitter people cannot advance. A family of bitter people cannot prosper,” he said.
The pastor concluded the service by calling on members to conduct a personal heart check and to ask God for the grace to let go of every offense.
He closed with an admonition from James 3:14: “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.”
Apostle Yakubu explained that the verse is a warning and a mirror for every believer. He said God is calling Nigerians, families, and the Church to examine their hearts honestly and reject every form of envy, strife, and bitterness that dishonors the truth of the Gospel.
According to him, when the heart is filled with bitterness, even good deeds become empty because they are not done in love. But when the heart is free, joy returns, relationships are restored, and God’s blessings can flow freely.
He prayed that the House of Purpose Ministry, the people of Kaduna State, and Nigeria as a whole would choose the path of forgiveness, unity, and peace so that individuals, families, and the nation can truly thrive according to God’s purpose.
The service concluded with prayers for healing, deliverance from the spirit of bitterness, and for God’s grace to help us walk in love as taught by Christ.
