Somebody did you dirty. Or they will. As sure as the sun will set tonight, at some point, you will feel uniquely wronged. So then what? Hold a grudge? You wouldn’t be the first. Right now, 78% of people are hanging onto some kind of grudge, basically doing themselves dirty.
The Heavy Cost of Holding On
I’ve had grudges I clung to for so long I forgot how they started. But they were always lurking in the background. My grudges were the reason I’d subconsciously grind my teeth. Or breathe heavy. Be short with my family. Dread getting out of bed.
You Deserve to Move On
I eventually realized how these grudges were a drag on my life. So I asked God to help me let them go. Not because the people who wronged me deserved to move on. But because I deserved to.
It’s Called “Forgiveness”
Forgiveness is a choice. An action. Deliberately deciding to forgive a trespass, just as God has forgiven our own trespasses. If you wait until you feel like it, you might never get there. No wonder nearly 8 out of every 10 people are grudge-walking.
The Untold Science Behind Forgiveness
Moving on has nothing to do with the person on the other side of your grudge, and everything to do with your well-being. Scientists now know why God made forgiveness the bullseye of our connection with Him: it lowers blood pressure. It boosts your immune system. You’ll get better sleep and may even feel less anxious or depressed.
To not forgive is to deny yourself freedom. Essentially, you’re giving the unforgiven power over your life. Letting go of a grudge has nothing to do with mending the relationship or helping the dirty-doer, and everything to do with helping yourself.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you”. – Colossians 3:13
by DJ Mike Couchman
