Thanks for joining today’s study. Since the Lord is my “Assignment Editor,” I give Him all the credit for this topic. Our God is an awesome God because He knows that your humble writer must be reminded to apply His Word to a situation where I am holding a grudge. Can anyone relate?
Yes, I am a flawed human. Raise your hand if you are, too. However, if someone is doing you wrong and the person or group you believe is at fault allows the matter to fester by refusing to resolve the problem, are you sinning by holding a grudge? Quoting God, the Book of Leviticus records:
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18).
I am always awestruck when the Lord reminds us of who He is. God’s commands are righteous yet difficult for flawed humans to obey. Next is a Psalm verse from King David:
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land” (Psalm 37:8-9).
King David experienced injustice and offered insight into God’s long-term plan for dealing with those who have wronged us. Ultimately, “those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” The “land” symbolizes a positive resolution to any matter if we can overcome our grudges by continuing to hope and trust in Him.
David’s son King Solomon wrote these two relevant Proverbs:
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs” (Proverbs 10:12). And:
“Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.” (Proverbs 20:22).
Are you getting the message? I am also reminded of a favorite Genesis verse spoken by Joseph to his older brothers. Consider the situation: Years earlier, out of jealousy, Joseph’s brothers had sold him to traders who enslaved him en route to Egypt. Eventually, after much drama, Joseph rose to a position of power under the Pharaoh. Then, because of a catastrophic drought, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food and appeared before a powerful authority who could determine their fate. When Joseph revealed his identity, he said:
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…”(Genesis 50:20).
Thus, if you are trapped in grudge mode and the truth is on your side, Joseph’s profound words can be comforting. We flawed humans are impatient and seek immediate relief from wrongs done to us. However, what “God meant for good” often takes years. He wants us to trust Him over the long term, and, in the process, our faith grows.
Let’s turn to the New Testament gospels, where forgiveness is prominent. Jesus said:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15).
We know that forgiveness can be very challenging. The following lesson taught by Jesus emphasizes this difficult concept:
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them” (Luke 17:3-4).
So, how do you go about rebuking those who sin against you if they don’t repent? I am a fan of truth-telling, followed by reconciliation, restoration, and forgiveness on all sides. The challenge arises when those who sin against you hold power over you. Therefore, seek the Lord’s guidance and repeat King Solomon’s advice: “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.”
As usual, St. Paul had much to say. His advice can help cool us down when we are hot about whatever the matter is that keeps us holding a grudge:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
Paul also recorded a famous go-to line about grudges:
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). Paul was quoting Deuteronomy when the Lord said:
“Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly” (Deuteronomy 32-35).
We know that we are to “leave it [our grudge] to God.” But that takes self-control and discipline when our human instincts want to lash out and get even. In the meantime, while we wait for God to “repay” the forgiveness theme continues in Paul’s writing:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Hence, no matter how difficult, we must:
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
The grand biblical teaching from Jesus is that God forgives us, so we must extend the same grace to others. For that teaching, Jesus is our role model, even under the most extreme circumstances:
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots” (Luke 23:34).
We are reminded that if we strive to be Christ-like in how we comport ourselves, forgiveness is the balm that heals our wounds. In the meantime, regarding the healing of your and my bleeding “wounds,” know there is a divine resolution because:
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).
Amen to that!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read The Bible“ reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. “Part 2,” reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. You can help support our six-month exhibit at the Basilica in Orlando, Florida. Contact: Myraadams01@gmail.com
This article was originally posted at Townhall.com.
