Holding a Grudge

One of the most destructive thing we can do in our lives is to bear a grudge against another person. The Bible warns us against this because of the terrible consequences it has. There are many people who are suffering greatly, and the main reason is that they have a grudge or grudges against others that they will not let go. Esau bore a grudge against Jacob after he stole his blessing from their father, Isaac. (Genesis 27:41) Isaac's blessing could not be changed, and he could not give a blessing to his other son Esau. Therefore, in anger Esau vowed to kill Jacob once the days of mourning for his father's death were over. We all need to learn how to stay away from this harmful practice.

Anger causes us to resent other people, if we do not deal with our anger by seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with them quickly. Then, resentment soon turns into bitterness. Bitterness takes root in our life, and it grows and grows. It effects all of our relationships, not just the ones with the people with whom we are holding grudges. We become negative, and we take our our bitter anger on others all of the time. Instead of getting right with others, we plan how we can get even. This can even escalate to the point of harming others or killing them. See what I mean? Holding grudges leads us to many terrible consequences. Therefore, we must practice forgiveness, no matter what others have done for us. If we hold grudges and remain angry, we only hurt ourselves, not the other person.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 28-31.