5 Reasons To Reject Resentment

A natural reaction to betrayal is the feeling of resentment. When resentment is left unchecked it begins to root itself as bitterness and unforgiveness.

Like most who’ve experienced betrayal, just hearing the word “forgiveness” may ignite a feeling of contempt. You have every right to feel what you’re feeling. Although, because we have the right to feel that way, doesn’t mean we should. Resentment and unforgiveness works against you.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, works in your favor. Like kryptonite to Superman, forgiveness is the ultimate annihilator of resentment.

Related Article: 4 Steps to Practicing Forgiveness

Hebrews 12:15 says: See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.

Negative Effects of Resentment

Here are a few ways resentment - the “root of bitterness - works against you:

1. It will make you sick

Just like depression, anxiety, and stress, resentment and bitterness will aggravate your physical being, making you more susceptible to illness and disease. It can cause issues, such as arthritis, digestive problems, headaches, heart problems, high blood pressure, etc.

2. It will change your perspective

Over time, resentment will cause you to put on a new pair of lenses that only see the negative. Thus, destroying opportunities and relationships that can produce joy, happiness, and fulfillment.

3. It distorts our self-perception

The negativity that resentment produces will seep into the recesses of your mind and debilitate your own fruitful healing and growth. Not only will you become grumpy and critical of others, you’ll also become your own worst critic as you feed those negative thoughts the enemy tries to plant into your mind.

4. It sabotages relationships

The problem with unresolved resentment is, over time, it morphs from being directed at the offender to finding unrestricted, widespread offense with everything and everyone. It can change how you see others; now minor offenses become irrational woes.

5. It impairs healing

If you’ve decided to stay in your marriage and work towards reconciliation and healing, resentment has to be dealt with or it will impair your healing and wipe out the possibility of reconciliation if that is your goal. Releasing the power resentment and unforgiveness holds over your healing is critical. Resentment will keep you stuck and make you bitter.

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“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

Holding onto resentment will only bring more pain to your life both mentally and physically. It will keep you from your own healing and cause a lifetime of damage.

So, let go of resentment and find healing through forgiveness. Learn more about how to grow STRONGER TOGETHER in marriage at SoulRefiner.com