Have you ever been offended or criticized? Of course you have. How are you doing because of that? Some people “carry” grudges or “hold” grudges. The damage and definition of a grudge are very negative. A grudge is to be discontented at another’s enjoyments or advantages. To murmur; to repine; to complain; as, to grudge or complain of injustice. Sullen malice or malevolence; ill will; secret enmity; hatred; as an old grudge. In James 5:9 we are instructed, “Grudge not one against another,…” Don’t waste your life with a wrong spirit. Thomas Hogben wrote “A grudge, a bitterness, a desire for retaliation – will break the wings of faith and hush the cry of real prayer.” The Sociology Department of Duke University did a study on peace of mind and happiness. They found nine factors that were most likely to contribute to mental and emotional stability. The very first and most important factors were “Absence of suspicion and resentment. Trusting and avoiding grudges were important.”
Leviticus 19:18, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the LORD.” II Corinthians 9:7, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” I Peter 4:9, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”
A visitor from across the mountain leaned on the rail fence, watching his old friend plow. “I don’t like to butt in,” he finally said, “but you could save yourself a lot of work by saying “gee” and “haw” to that mule instead of just tuggin’ on them lines.” The old timer pulled a big handkerchief from his pocket and mopped his brow. “Yep, I know that,” he agreed, “but this mule kicked me six years ago and I ain’t spoke to him since.” Sound familiar? If you hold a grudge, it will be because YOU will not let it go.
If you hold onto a grudge you will hold on to ill will.
If you hold onto a grudge you will hold on to discontentment.
If you hold on to a grudge you will hold on to murmuring.
If you hold on to a grudge you will hold on to a bad spirit.
The terminology ought to be a warning to us all. Bearing a grudge. Holding a grudge. The load can be very heavy. Matthew Henry wrote, “If our brother has done us an injury, we must not return it upon him, that is avenging; we must not upon every occasion upbraid him with it, that is bearing a grudge; but we must both forgive it and forget it, for thus we are forgiven of God.” The longer you live, the more grudges will fill your life if you let them. This is why some people turn into bitter old folks. Break the habit in your youth. “Bitterness is its own prison.” The Lord wants to free you from such captivity. Job 42:10, “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends:…”