Bitterness, in the world of medicine, is often associated with healing. Doctors frequently recommend bitter herbs or rootsto cleanse the body, lower blood pressure, and to restore internal health. But in Scripture, the term “bitter root” takes on a far more serious and dangerous meaning.Referring to two Bible passages:Deuteronomy 29:18 and Hebrews 12:15,let us first of all understand the meaning and concept of the“bitter root”. In Deuteronomy 29:18, the term “bitter root” is rendered from the Hebrew phrase“shoreshporehroshvela’anah” which literally means “a root bearing poison and wormwood.” This imagery was a warning against idolatry and rebellion within the covenant community, suggesting that even a hidden or seemingly small deviation could spread corruption throughout the entire people. In Hebrews 12:15, the writer echoes this concept, cautioning believers to “see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” In both passages, the “bitter root” is not described as a cure, but as a curse. It symbolizes hidden defilement, a rebellious spirit and a poisonous influence that quietly spreads, corrupting hearts, families, and entire communities. God warns us to be vigilant, lest it spring up unnoticed and defile many.
Though Nagaland is widely recognized as a Christian-majority state, with churches visible in every town and village and membership steadily increasing, a deeper examination reveals a sobering spiritual reality. This is not said to generalize or condemn, but to observe with honesty and love.There is a growing religiositybut a declining depth in spiritual life. Church attendance fluctuates, sometimes high, sometimes lowdepending on the respective congregations. Yet, the transforming power of the Gospel appears increasingly absent in the daily conduct and convictions of many believers.What we are witnessing is the rise of cultural Christianity which more in line of outward expressions of faith without the inward reality of a life surrendered to Christ. The covenantal loyalty to God that once defined the Naga Christian movement is weakening in many quarters.Many identify as Christians, participate regularly in church activities, and uphold Christian traditions. However, beneath the surface, a significant number remain shallow in their understanding of Scripture, easily shaken in their faith, and vulnerable to the winds of worldly influence, social pressure, or personal trials. Their roots, spiritually speaking, are not firmly grounded in the Word of God.
Herein lies what could be termed the “bitter root” among Naga Christians today. It may take the form of hidden resentment, unresolved conflicts, unforgiveness, pride, religious complacency, or even syncretism, where traditional practices subtly mix with Christian beliefs. These bitter roots, though often unseen, have profound consequences. They defile not just individual hearts but also entire congregations. When such roots grow unchecked, they breed division, hypocrisy, moral compromise, and spiritual stagnation. The faith becomes performative rather than transformative, and the Church risks losing its salt and light in the society.
Just as in Deuteronomy 29:18, where the “bitter root” led Israel to break covenant with God and turn to false gods, so too in our time, the same root leads believers away from the living God to false securities, whether in tradition, materialism, self-righteousness, or culturally accepted compromise. It weakens our covenant loyalty to God and opens the door to wrong teachings, spiritual lethargy, and misplaced priorities. Churches may still appear active, even growing, yet beneath the surface, the presence of bitter roots renders the community fragile, fractured, and spiritually barren. This is how the “bitter root” defiles by corrupting the wellspring of life and replacing it with a counterfeit that looks religious but lacks the power of godliness. In light of this reality, Hebrews 12:15 warns believers to guard against any root of bitterness that defiles and the Church today must take that warning seriously. This is not a call for surface-level reform, but for deep and genuine spiritual renewal.The Church must return to God’s Word with fresh hunger and humility, renewing its commitment to live by His truth and not be shaped by cultural currents or worldly wisdom. We must remember who we are as a covenant people, set apart for God’s glory and His purposes.
The “bitter root” must be identified and uprooted before it defiles the vineyard of God. It is time to return to covenantal faithfulness, to aChristianity that is not just cultural but Christ-centered, not just traditional but transformational.The danger of the “bitter root” lies in its deceptive subtlety and destructive reach. It begins quietlyin the hidden corners of the heart, often as unchecked pride, lingering unforgiveness, spiritual apathy, or a sense of entitlement. At first, it may seem harmless, even invisible to others. But if left unaddressed, it takes root and begins to grow, shaping attitudes, influencing behaviors, and ultimately corrupting the soul. From the heart, it seeps into relationships and communities, spreading through example, unspoken norms, and even distorted teachings. Apostasy must not be tolerated in any form, whether it appears in diluted preaching, in leadership driven by self-interest, or in practices that subtly mirror the world more than Christ. The Church must boldly discern and confront such deviations with grace and truth. Now is the time to raise up prophetic voices.Strong discipleship must be restored, guiding believers into maturity, equipping them to stand firm, and empowering them to live out their faith boldly and faithfully.
In conclusion, I offer a sincere and urgent challenge to Naga Christians and churches.Let us uproot the “bitter root” before it defiles further. Our land has been blessed with a rich spiritual heritage: revivals, missionary legacies, and generations of faithful believers. But heritage alone cannot shield us from spiritual decay. Like ancient Israel, we risk drifting into dangerous complacency if we assume God’s favor while silently harboring rebellion, pride, unforgiveness, and compromise within our hearts and communities.Now is the time for sober self-examination and courageous action. Let us all look our inward and ask: What bitter root have I allowed to grow? Let us uproot all that defiles the body of Christ. Let us humble ourselves, seek God’s mercy, and return to the covenant with renewed devotion. May the Church in Nagaland not be known only for its past faithfulness, but for its present purity, power, and prophetic witness. A wake-up call we can no longer ignore.
(This article invites us to pause and reflect deeply: What is the biblical concept of the “bitter root”? Why does it pose such a serious threat to God’s people? And why must the Church today especially in contexts like Nagaland take this warning seriously? The purpose of this article is to uncover what lies beneath the surface and how this ancient warning holds urgent relevance for the Church today—a true Wake-Up Call.)
Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener
General Secretary
Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC)
Saturday, July 12, 2025