Do you forgive easily? Or find yourself holding a grudge?

[ydouxist]

We have all been wronged in life. Whether by family,friends, or strangers.
I was unaware until recently that I didn't like a particular nationality.
It went back to being bullied when I was very young.
My resentment wasn't something I did consciously, but never the less it was there.
In my case it went back 37 years. The Lord just revealed it to me recently.

 

[staugustine68]

It would be less stressful to forgive.

 

[BBAS 64]

Good Day,

I find the holding a grudge takes alot of energy, so I chose not to do so.

Peace to u,

Bill

 

[Wakeup2god]

This may help

http://www.christianforums.com/t1267160-do-you-hold-grudges.html

 

[Sword-In-Hand]

Matthew 6: 14
14"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

While forgiving is not always easy, I'm always drawn to that verse, so that it becomes easier.

 

[SumTinWong]

I usually hold a grdge myself, then the Holy Spirit works on me and I let it go. I come from a long line of grudge keepers, so it is a hard habit to break .

 

[SonOfThunder]

When my dad asked me to leave home after being disfellowshipped I thought my bond of love would cement connection with my family. we had a close (a very close) family where my grandma and uncles and Aunts all met and supported each other. Since I left home I have written almost daily via e-mails to them and to date have never had a reply.

My hope turned to despair and now to an unhealthy grudge. How do you work on it not consuming you? I'd like some tips because I sure don't like who I am with this issue right now.


James

 

[ZiSunka]

I used to be a grudge holder because my parents were grudge holders. But now that I have been forgiven so much by God, I forgive, too.

My sister still loves to hold grudges, though. Pray that she will get saved!

 

[bjenks]

I get over things quickly, however, my girlfriend holds a grudge for way too long. It is the thing I dislike the most about her.

 

[Gold Dragon]

When my dad asked me to leave home after being disfellowshipped I thought my bond of love would cement connection with my family. we had a close (a very close) family where my grandma and uncles and Aunts all met and supported each other. Since I left home I have written almost daily via e-mails to them and to date have never had a reply.

My hope turned to despair and now to an unhealthy grudge. How do you work on it not consuming you? I'd like some tips because I sure don't like who I am with this issue right now.


James

Praying for you and your family, James. I assume they are JW?

I'm not usually one to hold grudges but I have been in relationships with people who are. To be honest, I'm not sure how to prevent a grudge from consuming yourself, but one thing I've found is that grudge holders need to forgive themselves as well.

May you also experience Christ's forgiveness from other followers of Christ.

 

[ZiSunka]

James, I'd miss you like crazy if you weren't around. Your family probably misses you so much it hurts They're only ignoring you because their master, the JW church, won't let them express their love for you.

Please forgive them for not rebelling against the system doesn't allow people to question it! I honestly believe that they love you more than they could ever tell you and are in as much pain as you are because of the separation.

 

[SonOfThunder]

James, I'd miss you like crazy if you weren't around. Your family probably misses you so much it hurts They're only ignoring you because their master, the JW church, won't let them express their love for you.

Please forgive them for not rebelling against the system doesn't allow people to question it! I honestly believe that they love you more than they could ever tell you and are in as much pain as you are because of the separation.

Thankyou for posting that, when your with your own thoughts it blows out of proportion to reality. I know my dad will be struggling with this as he and I were very very close.
Forgiveness is not just forgiving those that hurt you but having a right attitude yourself in your heart toward them. It's an attitude of love, I have a bit to work on in that area.

Someone else asked if all my family are Jehovah's Witnesses...yes.


James

 

[OracleX]

I have found that in my life that if it wasn't for forgiveness for myself and others that I would not have survived this long. Forgiveness becomes more of natural response the more your realize how much it has cost for our sins to be forgiven by God.

Holding grudges makes one even more unhappy. Forgiveness brings peace. It isn't a hard choice but learning how to forgive can be. It is more than worth it.

 

[RED that's ME]

Every person has struggled with some type of grudges. It's human to hold them against people who have done us wrong or people we care about.
This is a lesson I am working on learning what God has to say about it and also finding out life is too short to hold them.

"Forgive, and you will be forgiven" (Luke 6:37). Jesus also taught that "if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses" (Matt. 6:15; Mark 11:26). The parable of the unmerciful servant plainly shows that God will not forgive us if we do not forgive others (Matt. 18:21-35)."Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4).