Critics for Jesus. Bitter Roots and Critical Spirits

April 17th, 2026

By: David Hoskins

A critical spirit is evil and flows out of a wounded soul.  It’s waters bring death, depression, and despair.

Matthew 7:2 (AMP)

2 For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you.

A critical spirited person is one who readily identifies a problem, but never really speaks to the answer.  

Their issue is one of having a bitter root.  They gain something from rehearsing their anger and frustration.  

A critical spirit comes from a bitter soul that needs healing in one way or another.

One who tears down rather than edifies is not helping.  They are only exacerbating the problem as they align with the accuser.  You can’t heal with anger and hatred.  It’s difficult to fix what you hate and despise.

Romans 14:19 (KJV)

19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Choose not to be that person driven by a critical, bitter spirit.  Love edifies.  It doesn’t just identify what causes the pain.   It looks instead to heal the ones who are in pain.  It brings answers rather than just highlighting the problem.  

Bitter roots bring bitter fruit.  I see many Christians speaking out of bitterness about things that cause them anxiety when they should learn to turn it into intercession instead.  

For example, the Bible says to pray for your leaders as they are there for your benefit.

It seems we do everything but pray for them, criticizing every choice they have to make, tearing them apart as if we are the experts.   We sound like spoiled children, angry because we would like things to be done differently.  Our way…Our style…

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (KJV)

1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Get the mind of the Lord and learn what it means to intercede.  We are called to be a redemptive people.

Being critical comes too easily for some.   Get to the bitter root and become a better soul.

Hebrews 12:14-15 (KJV)

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 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;

Stop defiling everyone around you with a critical, negative spirit.  

Once you get delivered from pain, bitterness, and a critical spirit…

Learn to search out a thing and find the mind of the Lord.  Then prophetically intercede according to the will of the Lord until that thing, person, or issue shifts.  

1 Corinthians 14:3 (KJV)

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

Gossip is a poison that affects the giver more than the intended victim.  There is a better way.  It is the way of love.  Love edifies!

1 Corinthians 8:1 (NIV)

1 …We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.

If our knowledge only reherses the problem then we are only halfway there.  

Love will seek to strengthen and build up rather than just tear down and destroy.  

Love will seek to heal and bind up rather than discard

Love will seek to intercede rather than undermine