Unusual setting for me to be writing to you. No fireplace, no dog, no cold weather for me. I am in Florida writing from a patio with a light sweater on and the promise of 80 degree weather in the forecast. I do however have a cup of Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee at my side. I wish you were here to join me for a cup of this heavenly brew.
Leviticus 19:18New King James Version (NKJV)
18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
Today we will tackle the subject of "grudges". This is a key essential in preparing for Christmas and having a heart ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But what is more important than that is to have a heart empty of bitterness so that it can be filled with the love of Jesus, year round. Holding a grudge or anger toward someone is caustic to your spiritual and physical health as well.
One of the most devastating human emotions can be feelings of bitterness. It can creep in to our lives like cancer. Sometimes we do not even know how much it consumes our thought life and feelings. Before we know it, we are drinking the daily poison of our own sin.
Perhaps it starts with hurt feelings over what was said, another’s actions, or even a lack of response thinking about it over and over. It eats at us from the inside out. Our spirit is lower than low. We can grow hatred toward the person that we feel offended us. Perhaps those hurt want to get “even” at the other person. Before long, hurt feelings can lead to a host of other actions, including slander against the offending person, or avoidance of that person. Daily Personal Poison!
The hurt accomplished may not even be recognized by the offender. They may not even have a clue as to how we are reacting to their remarks or actions.
Hanging on to a grudge against another can be so devastating to some that it affects their health. Anger can be a result of bitterness. When angry, adrenaline and other hormones are released into the bloodstream, causing high blood pressure and a faster beating heart. Depression, ulcers, heart attack, and stroke have also been linked to those that are controlled by the stress of not forgiving.
This is like drinking a cup of poison each day hoping others will die. God clearly has some things to say about holding a grudge and acting on it.
Ephesians 4:31New International Version (NIV)
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.Proverbs 24:29English Standard Version (ESV)
29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done.”
So Dear Friends, until tomorrow when we will look at another way to prepare for Christmas. Be well. Give yourself a gift. Get rid of any bitterness or grudges.
Marty
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