How should I handle my feelings of resentment?

Titus 3:4-5When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

1 John 1:9If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

When we feel resentful, we should confess those feelings to God and ask for his help in replacing them with love and kindness. God can and will change us.

Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses.

Mark 11:25“When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. . . .Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

1 Thessalonians 5:15See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

James 5:9Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!

Only love and forgiveness are strong enough to overcome feelings of resentment. When feeling resentful, we should pray for God’s strength to love and forgive until he removes the resentment from our hearts. Overcoming resentment in our communities can demonstrate to the world that God’s power can make a difference.

Romans 12:15Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

We should ask God to replace any feelings of resentment and jealousy over the success of others with genuine happiness for them.