Resentment

Comment:

The idea of forgiving others, and not holding resentments, is a major theme in both Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament. The passage that first comes to mind is from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:43-48:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48).

The emphasis here, as always in the teachings of Jesus, is on practicality, not idealism. Resentment does no damage at all to those we are resenting. But it has a powerfully negative effect on our own peace of mind. Punishment is not ours to demand or expect. The most spiritually powerful thing we can do is to release negative energies from our own consciousness, so that we can move forward freely and joyfully, without allowing resentment to lock us into the past.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed