In many ways Sonic and Shadow’s journeys run parallel to each other, as both hedgehogs have endured far more than their fair share of painful losses and unprovoked challenges in their lives. While Sonic took his obstacles in stride, letting these unwanted circumstances develop him into a heroic protector of others, Shadow allowed the darkness he experienced to completely twist his perspective and reshape his destiny in the process. Both suffered in ways that threatened to redefine their lives, but Shadow surrendered to the bitterness he felt, permitting it to consume him… transforming him into a destructive force who would cause similar pain to others without mercy or remorse. Tragic back stories are part of every hero’s journey… only villains allow the pain from their past to destroy their future.

We will all endure pains and losses in our lives, which is why the Bible warns us not to allow a “root of bitterness” to spring up in our hearts that will lead us down a dark path. The only cure for bitterness is to refuse to hold onto our anger past the setting of the sun, showing others the same unearned mercy, grace, and forgiveness that the Lord has given us. Let’s refuse to allow the darkness we have endured to define who we are, and instead permit the Lord to use these events to grow us into who we are becoming.

Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:26, 31-32

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled. Hebrews 12:14-15

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