Thought
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, anger is a toxic condition born out of fear and ego (easing God out).
One of the many by-products of anger is resentment.
Resentment is anger focused on a person or an event/situation.
Somehow the committee in our head (where the enemy always tries to be the chairman) convinces us we must stay angry with someone or a situation well after an incident occurs.
As a person in recovery, I had to work hard to become resentment-free, as I know resentments often cause addicts to return to their addictions.
Interesting Fact
On page 64 of the 3rd edition of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (where the 12 Steps originated), it says, “Resentment is the ‘number one’ offender. It destroys more alcoholics than anything else. From it stem all forms of spiritual disease, for we have been not only mentally and physically ill, we have been spiritually sick.”
(Interestingly, this quote is found at the beginning of Step 4–Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves).
Solution
The best way to deal with resentment is identical to how we need to deal with anger…name it, claim it, dump it…and don’t take it back.
The best way to not take it back is to pray for the person or situation we harbor resentment toward. Then, pray for that person to have peace, happiness, and joy.
This is not easy as our ego and pride often get in our way–but it works…I write from experience.
Mark 11:25 (NIV), “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Reflection:
What beliefs, thoughts, and actions cause you to struggle with resentment?
Additional Scripture to read and reflect on: Â Ephesians 4:31, Luke 6:37, Matthew 6:12-13
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
