Harboring Resentment

 

By Andrea Merrell

Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who 

does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.

Love is more important than anything else.

It is what ties everything completely together.

Colossians 3:13-14 CEV

Resentment simmered below the surface like a pot of water. At any moment it could come to a full, rolling boil.

The man tried to hide it, but the resentment he harbored deep inside became obvious in every stressful situation he encountered. And his refusal to deal with it took a toll on him mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually—not to mention his marriage, his job, and all his other relationships.

Walking in forgiveness—the only way to have true peace—means dealing with situations as they arise, not stuffing them down. It’s a day-by-day, moment-by-moment process. Dwelling on unresolved problems produces a stronghold that leads to anger and resentment. Eventually, a root of bitterness takes hold, robbing us of the life God wants us to live.

Forgiveness is a choice, and life is too short to harbor resentment—no matter what. Don’t dwell on the past. And don’t hold on to bad feelings. Let them go … quickly.

As the Word says, Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else.

Today is the day. Forgive and move on.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)