Grudges

In doing devotions, the boys and I have been reading a great little book titled Created for Work by Bob Schultz. All the chapters are great but we were quite tickled as we read the chapter about grudges. I think everyone at one time or another gets tempted to nurse a grudge, and maybe the more stubborn we are, the more successful we are at keeping that grudge alive. Schultz adds some great insight using the example of a husbands that holds a grudge against his wife:

It's hard to maintain a consistent grudge. When his old friend calls on the phone, this husband merrily chats with him for fifteen minutes. As he hangs up,the husband almost turns to tell his wife about what was said, but remembers that he is holding a grudge. He puts on the solemn face and continues his silence.

My sons and I laughed at this picture but recognized its truthfulness in light of resentments we've held and seen held for short times among family and friends. Schultz brings his thoughts on grudges to a head when he writes:

When you hold a grudge you think you are punishing the other person by withholding your wonderful self. “I won’t smile at them; they’ll feel the pain; that’ll serve them right.” But the opposite is true. Holding a grudge is punishment on you. You lose the privilege of delivering God’s water of life. You stagnate and stink. You’re the one emotionally drained. You miss God’s joy and fellowship.

What a challenging thought as we enter our day, mindful of harboring resentments and nursing grudges against those around us.

“Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” James 5:9