Resentment

resentment - How can I keep my heart from resentment and bitterness?

When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.

Mark 11:25

Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!

James 5:9

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Hebrews 12:15

WHEN ANOTHER PERSON has wronged us, sometimes we protect ourselves by reacting to the situation with anger rather than with sadness. However, when we allow anger to linger within our hearts, it results in resentment. God doesn’t promise we won’t be betrayed, misunderstood, or unappreciated in this world. Each one of us will have our feelings hurt. But the key to keeping our hearts from resentment and bitterness is the power of forgiveness. It is not easy to forgive someone who has caused us pain. But if we choose to resent instead of forgive, the Bible warns us that our souls will be in danger. Is there resentment in your heart today? Whom might God be calling you to forgive in order to experience freedom? Ask God to help you let go of your grudges and choose the path of forgiveness. If forgiveness feels impossible, reflect on all the times your Father has forgiven you.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, I still feel angry about . . .

To keep my anger from turning to resentment, Your Word reminds me . . .