LETTING GO OF HOLDING GRUDGES

Holding a grudge against someone is a sign of unforgiveness. It involves feelings of anger, bitterness, resentment, or other negative emotions after someone has hurt us. We hold our negative feelings against those who hurt us until communication breaks down. Imagine if this is happening in the family—between a husband and wife, and siblings. Our relationships in our families break down when we harbor grudges. It is the same way at our school and workplace. According to the study that the Mayo Clinic did regarding grudges, grudges are destructive to both our physical and mental health. It increases blood pressure and heart rate and contributes to chronic pain and heart disease. Moreover, grudges affect our relationship with our God. It is a sin, and God doesn't want us to harbor grudges against others. God said, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD (Leviticus 19:18)." If we want to walk in God's ways, we must let go of holding grudges. Instead, we need to forgive just as God has forgiven us. Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." 

There are several ways to let go of holding grudges. First, we need to obey God's command to love others. I know that it is difficult to love those who hurt us, but God can give us love for those who hurt us if we are willing to let God heal our hearts. God does not ask us to do something that we cannot do. We may not be able to do it in our strength, but we can do it in God's strength. Secondly, out of our love for others, we forgive them for their offenses against us. Think of how God has forgiven us. We also need to forgive. The only way to heal broken relationships is through love and forgiveness, and God wants us to be peacemakers. Thirdly, we need to be understanding. Understand that we are living in a sinful world, and everyone sins because the heart is corrupt. Pray for those who offended us that God's truth and love transform their hearts. We need to keep on praying for those who hurt us because once their hearts are captivated by God's truth and love, they will turn away from their wicked ways. 

We need God's strength to let go of our grudges. If we want peace in our minds and hearts, we must let go of grudges. Do not let Satan use grudges to steal away God's peace in our hearts. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Do I have a grudge against someone? What does God want me to do when I have a grudge against someone? What are the benefits of letting go of my grudges? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, please forgive me if I have a grudge against someone. Please help me let go of my grudges. Teach me to love and forgive, just as you have asked me to. I pray for those who offended me that your truth and love transform their hearts and be changed. Please protect my heart from grudges. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.