Never keep grudges
Leviticus 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
Grudge a persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury.
A ’grudge" is not an actual physical thing that can be picked up, carried or visibly seen. But it is something that is "carried" internally, it is real, it is heavy, and the effects of carrying it internally can be seen outwardly in our actions toward others and ourselves.
It can cause great harm to us and others physically and mentally, and though it is not tangible, it can grow and become bigger and in time it could completely rob our lives of certain things.
Our Scripture verses are a powerful reminder that harboring resentment and holding grudges is not aligned with the divine principles of love and compassion. Instead, we are called to confront issues openly and with honesty, seeking reconciliation rather than revenge.
In the first part, "Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart," we are urged to address conflicts directly and not let enmity develop within us.
It's a call to approach our grievances with a spirit of understanding and a desire for resolution. By doing so, we prevent the poison of hatred from taking root in our hearts.
The next part, "Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt," emphasizes the importance of communication. By expressing our concerns openly, we not only free ourselves from the burden of resentment but also give our neighbors the opportunity to understand and rectify their actions. This promotes a community bound by accountability and mutual growth.
The central point of the matter is captured in the command, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people." It's a clear directive to release the grip of anger and vengeance. Holding onto grudges only perpetuates a cycle of negativity and prevents the healing power of forgiveness from taking hold.
Finally, the verse concludes with a positive command: "Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." This is the divine standard to which we are called. Love transcends grudges, and by embodying love, we align ourselves with the divine example set by the Lord.
In conclusion, Let us be a person so seek reconciliation, and practices the transformative power of love over the destructive force of grudges. In doing so, we honor the teachings of the Lord and cultivate a community that reflects the divine light of compassion and forgiveness.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, forgive me for keeping grudges against people in Jesus Christ name
3. Lord, grant me the spirit of love so I can live peaceably with everyone in Jesus Christ.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.