Continuing To Hold A Grudge
Wednesday October 23, 2019
Unresolved grudges from offences committed against us in childhood, usually show up in adulthood as deeply rooted bitterness. Some of us have carried the grief of these offenses for decades and have tried to relieve the pain and hopelessness we feel with addictive substances or co-dependent relationships. Over the years, by not dealing with our grudges, we have only added to our pain.
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (Hebrews 12:15 NIV)
Forgiveness is the only way to stop the ongoing pain from buried grudges. For some of us who have been victimized, forgiveness is unthinkable. The pain of the offence remains and forgiveness rips at our sense of justice. We want the offender to suffer for what they inflicted on us. However, until we forgive the offender, the offence he or she committed against us will continue to harm us. The occurrence will fester with resentment in our souls, and the link between us and the perpetrator we despise will remain. 
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. (Colossians 3:12-13 NLT)
We can’t change other people, but we can ask God for the courage to change ourselves. Hanging on to a bitter grudge and seeking revenge only sickens our soul and results in damage to those we are close to.
Jesus died for every wrong done to us or done by us. Why not choose to forgive others their sins as God has forgiven ours? Why not take the lingering pain and resentment of offences against us to the cross where they have been atoned for? Why not be guided in all our ways by the love of God?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Please help me forgive others as You have forgiven me. I bring all grudges and bitterness that I hold against others to You, and ask You to free me from the bondage I have molded for myself. Please heal and restore those dark damaged places within me and help me to walk in the light and peace of Your presence ever with me. Amen
©2019 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/
Audio for Continuing To Hold A Grudge
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.