Continuing To Hold A Grudge

Monday December 12, 2022

Unresolved grudges related to childhood offences against us 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. We have added to our pain over the years by not dealing with these grudges.

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 of 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 connection between the perpetrator, whom we despise, and ourselves 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 often results in damage to those we are close to.

Jesus died for every wrong done to us or by us. Why not choose to forgive others their sins as God has forgiven ours? Why not take the lingering resentment and pain of these offences to the cross where they have been atoned for? Why not be guided in all our ways by the love of God? He is the righteous judge.

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 put myself in. Please heal and restore those damaged places within me and help me to walk in the light and peace of Your presence ever with me. Amen

More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

Continuing To Hold A Grudge

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