‘Love…keeps no record of being wronged’
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Holding a grudge is costly, and you and the people in your life end up footing the bill! In all probability the offender has moved on, forgotten the offence, and left you holding the bag. But in reality, blame, not the offender, is the crux of the problem. And until you understand and accept that, you will continue to be upset. Don’t let your grudges fester and turn into: 1) Self-victimisation. Negative energy expended on others just drains your resources and robs you of the chance to fulfil your God-given potential. Stop cheating yourself.
Don’t surrender your power to your grudges! 2) Bitterness. It’s like a deadly poison; a little of it can contaminate your entire system. The hurt you harbour pollutes the stream of your daily experience, including your experience with God! 3) Isolation. There’s no joy in being around someone who constantly indulges in blame, defensiveness and anger. Others pick up the vibes and feel at risk, so they keep a safe distance in case they become a target in the event that they displease you. It’s a formula for isolation and self-induced loneliness. 4) Negative role-modelling. Maybe you think, ‘My feelings are nobody’s business!’ Maybe—if you live on a desert island.
Grudges are highly communicable. ‘…Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up…corrupting many’ (Hebrews 12:15 NLT). 5) Sabotaged repentance. Genuine repentance and forgiveness aren’t possible until you’re willing to face up to your grudges. If you’re still blaming others, you’re avoiding responsibility. A bad attitude is like a flat tyre—until you change it, you’re not going to get anywhere.
Is 34-36, Eph 5:17-33
AMEN.
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