Ever held a grudge? According to the dictionary a grudge is a persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury. Grudges are common, way too common. With social interactions, fake news, agenda-driven media, and the ease of spreading opinions, someone is always feeding the flames to keep grudges growing and well-fed.

A grudge can seem harmless, maybe even seem like a little thing, but a grudge is like nursing a fifty-ton elephant that is going to squish the life out of your life.

Don’t nurse a grudge, for grudges hold you in, entangle, enmesh and subject you to their nasty temperaments. Don’t feed grudges, don’t nourish grudges, don’t allow grudges to grow. Nursing a grudge can lead to physical and mental consequences. The bigger the grudge, the more they suck away your life, the more they affect those around you, and the less life you will be able to live.

Don’t nurse a grudge, for a grudge grows into unforgiveness, which shackles you in ways that have very, very negative spiritual consequences. Jesus said, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15 NLT)

Don’t nurse a grudge, because grudges are the devil’s playground. “When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].” (Ephesians 4:26-27 AMPC)

Don’t nurse a grudge, trust God. Trust God to do what is right. “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” ~ Leviticus 19:18 (NIV) “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:18-19 NIV)

For your freedom, for your blessings, for the blessings of others around you, don’t nurse a grudge.

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32 NASB)

From Present in His Presence by Lisa Buffaloe