Is Resentment Really Worth It?
Holding on to grievances may seem justified, but doing so ends with ruin.
It’s important that we learn how to deal with the inevitable wrongs and hurts we suffer in life, and the remedy found throughout God’s Word is forgiveness: “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). The admonition is clear: When we are wronged, we’re to absolve our offender—that is, we no longer hold any resentment, bitterness, or grudges against the one who caused our distress. But even with such clear guidance, it’s difficult to comply when the wound is painful or the offense grievous. However, let’s consider what’s at stake if we decide not to obey God’s command.
An unforgiving spirit affects us personally. Unforgiveness is like a poison that spreads throughout our body. We can’t hold onto bitterness toward one person and expect it to harm only one relationship. Like a drop of ink in a glass of water, it eventually stains our entire being.
It affects us internally. Listen to what Jesus said in a story about a man who was forgiven much but refused to forgive someone else: “And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart” (Matthew 18:34-35). Considering how much God has forgiven us, we have no right to hold anything against others. In all our attempts to “get even,” we end up being tortured by our own bitterness.
It affects us spiritually. In addition to causing emotional torment, unforgiveness stunts our spiritual growth, hinders our service to God, grieves the Holy Spirit within us, robs us of His fruit, and gives the devil an opportunity to wreak havoc in our life (Ephesians 4:26-32). It’s just not worth the cost.
It affects us physically. Resentment invariably changes our countenance and damages our physical and mental health. Godly counselors can often trace depression and emotional problems back to unaddressed bitterness. If we don’t deal with it, we’ll end up being hurt twice—first by the offense and again by ourselves as we drink the poison of unforgiveness. Let us Forgive.
For the King
Robbie
