Spiritual Tune-Up: Harboring Resentment: Letting Go for Love’s Sake
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Main Scripture: “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” (Colossians 3:13 KJV)
Resentment can take root in our hearts when we feel wronged, sometimes leading to anger and destruction. But God calls us to forgive and let go, reflecting His love and grace. Holding onto resentment not only harms relationships but also separates us from God’s peace. Forgiveness is a choice that brings healing to our hearts and glorifies God.
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Bible Story 1: Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37-50)
Joseph’s brothers betrayed him, selling him into slavery out of jealousy. Years later, when Joseph became a ruler in Egypt, he faced the same brothers who had wronged him. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph forgave them, saying, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). Joseph’s forgiveness healed his family and allowed God’s purpose to shine through.
Real-World Example 1
Lisa had been deeply hurt by a close friend who spread false rumors about her. For months, Lisa avoided her friend and replayed the betrayal in her mind, growing angrier. One day, Lisa read Colossians 3:13 and felt convicted to let go of her resentment. She prayed for the strength to forgive and reached out to her friend to reconcile. Letting go of resentment not only restored their friendship but also brought Lisa peace and joy.
See video short on YouTube in Espanol
alt Resentment-Spanish
Bible Story 2: Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16)
Cain and Abel were the first siblings recorded in the Bible. Both brought offerings to God, but God accepted Abel’s offering and not Cain’s. Instead of seeking to understand and grow, Cain harbored resentment against his brother. This bitterness grew into anger, and Cain eventually killed Abel. God asked Cain, “Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?” (Genesis 4:6 KJV).
Real-World Example 2
Tom and Jack were business partners. When their venture failed, Tom blamed Jack for poor decisions, holding resentment for years. Tom’s bitterness caused tension in their community and robbed him of peace. A sermon on forgiveness convicted Tom to release his anger and reach out to Jack. They didn’t become business partners again, but the act of forgiveness restored Tom’s joy and freed him from bitterness.
Supporting Scriptures
- Ephesians 4:31-32 (KJV): “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger… be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
- Lesson: Forgiveness reflects God’s love for us.
- Matthew 6:14 (KJV): “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
- Lesson: Forgiveness is essential for our relationship with God.
- Proverbs 19:11 (KJV): “The discretion of a man deferred his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”
- Lesson: Letting go of anger brings glory to God.
Three-Step Action Plan to Let Go of Resentment
- Pray for God’s Help: Ask God to soften your heart and give you the strength to forgive.
- Prayer Example: “Lord, help me let go of this pain and forgive as You have forgiven me.”
- Release the Pain: Write down your feelings in a journal or speak to a trusted friend or pastor. Letting it out can be the first step toward healing.
- Act in Love: Take a step toward reconciliation—send a kind message or pray for the person who hurt you. This act of love can help you move forward.
Reflection Question
“What resentment am I holding onto, and how can I trust God to help me let it go for the sake of love and healing?”
Conclusion
Harboring resentment harms you more than the person who wronged you. By forgiving and letting go, you open your heart to love, healing, and the grace of God. Joseph’s forgiveness teaches us that God can use even painful situations for good. Today, choose to let go of resentment and embrace the peace that comes from living in God’s love.
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CALL TO SALVATION
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.
