The Weight of Resentment
A grudge is a heavy burden to carry. The very sound of the word evokes a sense of animosity and bitterness. Say it out loud: “Grr-uuuud-ge.” It’s like a growl, a snarl, a warning sign that something is amiss.
The Sludge of Unforgiveness
When we hold onto hurt and anger, it’s like trudging through thick, black sludge. It slows us down, weighs us down, and steals our joy. We’re no longer skipping through life with abandon; instead, we’re plodding along, shoulders bent against the wind, feet dragging through the muck.
Is Revenge Really the Answer?
Are you allowing your hurts to turn into hates? Have you convinced yourself that getting even will bring relief, peace, and joy? Let’s be honest – does hatred ever truly satisfy? Does it bring freedom? Imagine standing over the person you’ve hated, having exacted your revenge. Will you finally be free?
A Lesson in Bitterness
One woman thought she’d find release through revenge. She caught her husband cheating, and her anger consumed her. She filed for divorce, despite her children’s pleas, and refused to forgive. But years later, she realized her bitterness had ruined her life. Her husband had moved on, found happiness with another, while she was left alone, miserable, and old.
The Choice Between Bitterness and Forgiveness
Unfaithfulness is wrong, and revenge is bad. But the worst part is that without forgiveness, bitterness takes over. The state of our heart determines whether we harbor a grudge or give grace, seek self-pity or seek Christ, drink human misery or taste God’s mercy.
Guarding Our Heart
The wise man implores us to “guard our heart” above all else. David’s prayer should be ours: “Create in me a pure heart, O God.” Forgiveness is a choice, a difficult one, but a necessary one. Will we choose to let go of our grudges, or will we continue to trudge through the sludge of unforgiveness? The answer lies in the state of our heart.
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