Sorry Not SorryNäide

If there’s one thing we know about grudges, it’s that they have a habit of growing over time. The more we think about them, the bigger they become. Think about it this way: A coworker takes a donut from the breakroom that you had been looking forward to eating all day. Instead of just shrugging your shoulders and heading back to work, you start thinking that maybe your coworker took it because they knew you wanted it. After stewing on it a bit more, you start to think about all the little things that specific coworker has done to rub you the wrong way. Just like that, you decide you don’t like them at all! In a matter of moments and a series of thoughts, missing out on one donut turns into a full-fledged grudge against someone you’ve worked with for years. See how quickly it can take over?

If we aren’t careful, we can focus so much on small irritations that they can turn into huge stumbling blocks in our lives. The anger we feel becomes seemingly impossible to get past, so much so that it can quickly become all-consuming. Thankfully, Jesus reminds us of a better way—a way where we don’t respond with anger but with grace. A way where forgiveness grows, and bitterness and grudges never have a chance to take root. Of course, trying to do it on our own can feel impossible, but as believers, we’re never truly on our own.

Take a minute today and spend some time in prayer, asking God to help turn your grudges into grace.