March 28, 2014 Giving Up A Grudge

Giving up a Grudge

Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. (James 3:11-12 NASB)

What does this mean?  If I had water in a bottle that came from a clean pure source and you were thirsty and I offered you a drink from the bottle you would probably take it.   Now what about another bottle which came from the same clean pure water source?  It is likely that you could assume that the water is still clean and pure because the original source is the same.  However, if I had added a few drops of poison to the second bottle of water it could no longer be considered exclusively from the clean pure source.   If you were extremely thirsty and I offered you a drink from the second bottle, which you know had been tampered with; you would instantly refuse to take it.   Why? Because you know it would harm you. 

Holding a grudge and not forgiving a person for something they have done or said to you is like adding poison to your system.  It can change you from being clean and pure, like the first bottle of water, into someone capable of unpredictable harm to yourself and another person, just like the contents contained in the second bottle.   An unforgiving person is like poison to everyone they come into contact with.    They are a bit like the contents of the second bottle; you can’t be sure of the type of poison in them or the harm which they may cause.  When we refuse to forgive offenses committed against us, we start down a path of unforgiveness that will lead to the death of the person God created you and me to be.  

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV),   Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  

Jesus taught us to pray    “Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”  Do you want God to forgive you your sins in the same way that you have forgiven others who sin against you?    Think about that for a moment!  Do I want God to forgive me my sins in the same way that I have forgiven others who have sinned against me?   Whoa! This makes me stop and think? 

The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:12-13 (NLT), Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.   

The Bible tells us if we follow God’s instructions we will have great peace.  Why not give up any grudges you may have and live at peace with yourself and others?  If you struggle with forgiving, ask the Lord for the power to overcome your unwillingness to let go of grudges. 

©2014 Partners in Hope