Often referred to as the poison you drink while you wait for the other person to die, resentment can present serious health issues to both body and soul.
Dr. Rhona Epstein speaks about the dangers of resentment and bitterness.
“Resentment is when you go from being angry to holding a grudge; it goes deep and you just hold onto it. I think it is behind illnesses and addictions. In the AA big book it says resentment is the number one offender; it kills more alcoholics than anything else.”
Resentment grows when we don’t respond and handle pain in healthy and effective ways. Rather than denying a wound, Rhona affirms that it must be acknowledged before it gets worse.
“It’s not like you should ignore that you’ve been hurt. But there’s a there’s a way to deal with your hurt that faces it but doesn’t let it go deep into you it like poison and bitterness.”
Resentment does not have to destroy your life. We are not slaves to our resentment and hurts, God offers us freedom through forgiveness.
“I really believe it is God’s will to be set free from resentment. This is just so, so serious.”
Resentment can control you and become the narrative of your day unless we give it up to the Lord. God implores us to deal with unforgiveness immediately. Scripture tells us,
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
The first step is forgiveness that starts within, between us and God, and sometimes it has to stop there. Forgiveness is changing our part of a situation by loving someone even though we don’t feel loved by them. But Jesus knows we must forgive in order to be free. That is why he first forgave us.
Dr. Rhona Epstein is a licensed psychologist, certified addictions counselor, and marriage and family therapist. Rhona is author of , and lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Key Scriptures: Romans 12:18
Featured Songs: This I Believe by Hillsong Worship; No Wonder by River Valley; Everything Comes Alive by We Are Messengers
Resentment and forgiveness
