We’re human, therefore we have all been hurt by someone in our lives.
We’ve been betrayed. We’ve been let down. We’ve been rejected.
And when this happens, what do we do next? We…
A) Get back up, turn the other cheek, forgive and move on.
B) Refuse to let go and hold a grudge.
Unfortunately, the latter is the usual response.
Holding a grudge has become a skewed art form that many people are so proud to have perfected. Being able to hold a grudge is not something that one should show off like a new pair of shoes or a hidden talent that nobody else can do.
So many times I have heard people so proudly say something along the lines of, “I’m sorry, but if someone hurts me, I have no problem cutting them off and never talking to them again.” Or “I don’t forgive.” This is not to make people feel guilty. It’s only natural that as humans we may feel resentment towards those who have hurt us in the past. However, it’s when we refuse to forgive that we lose.
It’s very important to note that forgiveness is a process. It’s not uncommon for one to take an extended amount of time to fully forgive someone. Even if it takes years, the important part is that one is trying to forgive.
So you may be asking yourself, “If I’m the one who has been hurt, then why do I lose if I hold the grudge?”
Well, this is why: a grudge is a block that puts pride first and forgiveness in the trash. A grudge bears no good fruit. It can destroy friendships, it can hinder one’s ability to heal and sadly a grudge makes people believe the lie that they are free from the pain they have been dealt.
However, the truth is, instead of setting you free, a grudge puts shackles around your heart, holding you a prisoner to your pain. So answer this: Do you really want to be a slave to your pain for the rest of your life?
You’ve already been through so much hurt, so why suffer even more? You deserve a life of freedom! You deserve to heal and move on into the beautiful future God has destined for you.
It starts now. It starts with forgiveness. The choice is yours.