You cannot hold a grudge or secretly seek revenge and expect to live in the fullness of life in Christ. Holding a grudge against someone who has hurt you or offended you and looking for a way to get even is a serious matter to God. God will never let those who belong to Him get away with a scheme to get even. You’ve been hurt and so has everyone else, but if you foster the resentment, it will become a bitterness to your soul. Someone said, “Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick.” The “eye for an eye” mentality will only bring more pain into your life and it will cut off the flow of God’s joy, peace, and love in your life.
Some would say, “You don’t know what has been done to me or to my family.” And you’re right, I don’t, and can’t even imagine the pain and suffering it has caused, but because Christ has not held a grudge against you and me, He doesn’t let those things slide. There are still consequences when we refuse to do what Christ commanded us to do in response to those who hurt us. Before I tell you how we should respond, let me just say, it’s not easy at all, and it’s not condoning anyone’s actions. And on top of that, it can’t be done on your own. It takes the power of God in your life. To do what God has said in regards to the evil that has come against you requires the power of God. And if you don’t have it, tell Him, “God empower me to do what Your Word tells me to do because I want to honor You even in this situation.” The thing about holding a grudge is, you’re the one who’s going to pay, unless you pray and give it to God.
Luke 6:27-29 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 “bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 “To him who strikes you on the [one] cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold [your] tunic either.”
The thing about holding a grudge is, you’re the one who’s going to pay, unless you pray and give it to God.
Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but [rather] give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Of all the people who could have held a grudge against you, Jesus chose not to and said on the cross. “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do.” That’s grace and mercy!
When we hold a grudge and seek revenge, we are such a poor reflection of our Savior and Lord. But when we give our hurt and pain to the Father and forgive, we never look more like Jesus! Reflect Him today by releasing the grudges and negative thoughts towards everyone who has hurt you. When you let it go to God and let Him take care of it, His life will flow through you once again.
