Holding Grudges

Don’t be angry or furious.
Anger can lead to sin.
Psalm 37:8 (CEV)

I have a friend who loves to hate. The minute someone offends her, she adds him or her to a growing list of people she will never speak to again. Soon she’ll have to leave town to have a conversation!

When we have talked about it, she hasn’t actually said that it feels good to be angry; but I know it does because I have hated people too. I have felt the satisfaction of punishing them with my hatred. Yet, watching her, I realize that the people she hates don’t feel punished. While she runs around avoiding them or feeling awkward in their presence, they go on with their lives. In fact, I think some of them are glad to be free of her because slowly she has become a bitter, complaining person.

I am learning that letting go of anger is far more satisfying than holding a grudge, and it gives you an incredible sense of freedom. What’s more, forgiving makes it hard for the offending person to hate you back -- and that’s one less person to avoid at parties. <

Heather Tekavec
British Columbia, Canada