Bible Verse: Leviticus 19: 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.

The bear or not to bear:

It’s a lot of work to bear a grudge. The burden could cause irreparable damage to our relationships and to us. It’s amazing how many of us would rather live with the bitterness of resentment instead of looking for an effective way to deal with our feelings. The best way to handle these situations is to take it to the Lord in prayer. Eventually, you’ll forgive and move on.

We must also consider that our own sensitivity and unrealistic expectations for our relationships and the behaviour of others can cause us pain. Then again, sometimes people are just mean and indifferent. Either way, learning how to reject the chains of bitterness and hard feelings is the best way to ensure that we do not bear grudges.

People are going to upset and disappoint us, usually without apologizing for it. Don’t waste time taking on the fight to prove that you were wronged...acknowledge the hurt and endeavour to get over it as quickly as possible. The longer you hold on to it, the more harm it will do.

We’d be much happier if we realized once and for all that people are who they are. They’re not going to change for us. So, put aside your pride and learn the beauty of acceptance. Allow your loved ones to exist on their own terms, turn whatever grievances you have over to the Lord, and learn the art of effective conflict resolution.

Search your heart. Are most of the grudges you’re bearing really worth it? Ask the Lord for guidance, and don’t hold on to anything that He advises you to give up.