The Wall of Justifiable Resentment

Resentment is a like toxic chemical. It can eat away at your soul like acid. Resentment also gives up control of your life to the person you resent. Resentment becomes a wall that casts a dark showdown on the present and blocking off the future. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32). Resentment, also called bitterness, is the experience of a negative emotion (anger, rage, hatred) felt as a result of a real or imagined wrong done. Bitterness is known in the Bible as spiritual poison and a means by which many are defiled: “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Hebrews 12:15).

Root cause to negative emotions: Resentment can be tricky to recognize because it's not a symptom or visible on the surface like anger usually is. Resentment is an underlying problem that doesn't always manifest on the outside, but dwells in that person's system. Resentment is a root, thereby making it harder to identify and expose than many surface issues, but none the less it's a deadly poison that needs to be addressed. If left alone, it will grow and fester, and it has the ability to spring up many surface issues such as irritability, anger, and hatred. Individuals who have a root of resentment will often find it easy to become upset over little things that go on around them. It is easy for them to look at the circumstances around them as the source of their problems, rather than seeing how they are handling those circumstances. Instead of letting it go and forgiving, they let resentment get to them, and it eats away at them.

Forgiveness breaks down the wall of justifiable resentment: Forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness breaks down the wall of justifiable resentment and brings peace that helps you go on with life.

Benefits of forgiveness: Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to healthier relationships, less anxiety, stress and hostility, lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression, and lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you. When people give up their anger long enough to peer into the hearts of others, it can make all the difference in restoring relationships that could have remained broken forever. By embracing forgiveness, you can also embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy. Don’t remain behind a wall that will hold you in a bitter and wasted life focused on the past, rather than enjoying the present and moving into a brighter future. Forgiveness can lead you down the path of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.