Holding grudges steals your blessings
One precious gift life brings is the freedom to establish relationships. You become devoted to someone because you grow to trust them. These connections last for a lifetime while others end in pain and suffering. There are likewise occasions in history someone does something terrible that affects us though we don’t know them. Your response to these actions defines you. God uses this to give you a gracious moment to open your heart; while encouraging others. It’s the chance to forgive and move forward. Many view this challenging and wrong response because forgiveness entails not getting even, nor holding grudges. It places you in a position that requires submission and humility.
When someone mistreats you or does something you consider unrighteous, you incline to fight back, get vengeance and make them suffer from their wrongful actions. Take, for example, the acquittal of President Trump. Can this nation forgive him for abusing his authority? Many are smoldering in anger and disgust. They’re disappointed, discouraged, and furious over the verdict. Though I believe he abused his power, I will warn anybody who had hoped for his removal of office to forgive. Everyone who prays for a person’s worst outcome sets themselves up for something even worse to happen to them. God granted Him grace. You may think he doesn’t deserve that. Do any of us deserve grace? How many times has the Lord given you mercy and not what you should have received? How do you think the person you offended felt? “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” (Luke 6:31, NLT). You may justify and declare what he did was unforgivable. Our nation has a history proving a politician can break the law and escape the penalty.
I’m not defending him, but forewarning you that when you hold anger and resentment against anybody, you prevent the goodness of the Lord from coming to you. We should never plot to hurt anyone or wish them harm, despite what they did. Even when the majority holds a grudge, God expects better from us. You shouldn’t continue dwelling on the outcome, either because it could cause evil thoughts to enter your mind. “Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23). The Bible urges us to think about what’s honorable, praiseworthy and delivers peace. (Philippians 4:8). Beloved, whoever you’re holding a grudge against, please forgive, release them into the hands of Jesus. Don’t forfeit your blessings because things didn’t go your way. Show your Christlike behavior. Any other reaction sends you far from God’s presence. Empty your spirit of ill will, open your hands and catch His ridiculous blessings.
I pray the selection; Forgiveness by Matthew West stirs your heart.
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