Picture: Counsel #15 — Don’t hold a grudge! CMH 17.1
Holding a grudge is like carrying a heavy load of anger, resentment, and bitterness. This weight drains your joy and robs you of peace, affecting your mind, body, and spirit. Letting go isn’t optional—it’s essential for mental freedom and lasting peace. CMH 17.2
The effects of clinging to grudges are serious. Bitterness fuels stress and anxiety, damaging your health and keeping you tied to the person or event that hurt you. Instead of moving forward, you allow the wound to keep hurting you from within. Forgiveness is the release—it drops the heavy burden and opens the way for the peace only God can give. Choosing to forgive is choosing a lighter, freer, more joyful life. CMH 17.3
If you’ve got a stranglehold on grudges, ask God for help. Pray for a softened heart and a spirit of forgiveness. Holding on to grudges keeps you from reflecting Christ’s love to others—something He longs to shine through you. And He is eager to lift that heavy burden from your shoulders.[18] https://adventist.news/news/healing-wounds-with-forgiveness CMH 17.4
“Forgive, and you shall be forgiven.” Luke 6:37 NKJV CMH 17.5
“We cannot [live] without sometimes having our feelings hurt and our temper tried, but as Christians we must be just as patient, forbearing, humble, and meek as we desire others to be.” Ellen White in Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p. 789 CMH 17.6
Reflect: Are you carrying any grudges that are stealing your peace? If so, what are you going to do about it? CMH 17.7
