Grudge

<<ill will, resentment>>

Don’t grumble, complain or hold a grudge of un-forgiveness against another as this will blight your interaction with them, cloud your outlook on life, stunt your spiritual growth, affect your relationship with Christ and reduce your capacity to give and receive love (Lev 19:18; Mt 5:23,24; Jas 5:9; 1 Jn 4:20). Grudges do more damage to the one

Am I grudge free?

holding them than to the one they are directed against, and holding onto bitterness indicates a preoccupation with self, a failure to deal with inner issues, to forgive others and live out the Christian faith; they are the cause of quarrels, while love overlooks insults and wrong (Prov 10:12; 1 Pet 4:8). We are to forgive others as Christ forgave us, so we can also be forgiven and our prayers heard by God (Mt 6:15; Col 3:13; 1 Pet 3:7).

The Bible is clear, if you want to receive a blessing, bless those who speak ill of you, not repaying evil with evil (Lk 6:28; Rom 12:14; 1 Pet 3:9). Jesus didn’t retaliate when treated unfairly, choosing instead to entrust Himself to God; we should not react negatively either, but instead endeavour to live peaceably with all (Prov 20:22; Rom 12:17,18; 1 Pet 2:23). We are instructed not to give the enemy a foothold or occasion to accuse us before God (Eph 4:26,27; Rev 12:10).

Treat others as you’d like to be treated – don’t be stingy or reluctant in giving to God or those in need, for what we do to others is what we are doing for Him (Mt 7:12, 25:35-45; 2 Cor 9:7). “Freely we have received, so freely give” (Mt 10:8). Be generous, displaying goodwill, giving honour and recognition where due, rejoicing in the success of others, and not being self-centred or jealous (Mt 25:21,23; Rom 12:15). Remember that all we have comes by the grace and mercy of God and blessing others is often a key to being blessed in return (Prov 3:27, 11:24; Gal 6:7-10).

Take every hurt to the cross, releasing it to Jesus, and allowing His grace and mercy to touch your life. Where possible talk it out with the offender and seek forgiveness and reconciliation as this will help in ‘letting go’.