Grudges are the scars of betrayal. If we are not careful, those scars become an excuse for not taking a risk on love and are the basis for being unwilling to trust again. Grudges also become the excuses for not allowing ourselves to heal.
We are determined to “make sure that this will never happen to us again.” However, the moment we do that, we not only withdraw to protect ourselves, we begin to find ways to get back, get even and to get this hurt off of us.
Many marriages are polluted by leftover betrayal from past relationships. Numerous families are torn apart by scars and grudges from childhood and the lingering pain not yet overcome. If you think about it, there are many people who are wrecked by the inability to function in daily life due to scars and grudges from their past. Unfortunately, much addiction, abuse and criminal activity share this common root.
The way to remove the tenderness of the scars of betrayal - grudges - is forgiveness. Forgiveness is the spiritual plastic surgery that can remove the scars and heal pain.
Forgive, or hold on to a grudge…the choice is yours.
Going to use this in my Sunday School class!
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