Are There Solutions to Resentment?

The cutting edge of resentment is sharp and, amazingly, its edge is not dulled with expression or the passage of time. Acting on resentment does not diminish its presence, so the first step in ridding yourself of its existence is to be honest about how it came to govern your life. Everyone is capable of remembering what created the resentment.

The second step in discovering solutions to resentment is confiding in someone you trust to give nonbiased, straightforward feedback about the legitimacy of your resentment. While difficult to acknowledge and accept, Proverbs 27:6 gives this confirmation: “Wounds from a friend are better than kisses from an enemy.”

Ask yourself, “Can I serve God by holding on to this resentment?” Prepare yourself for the truth because resentment is corrosive to your spiritual wellbeing. Your objective now is to let go of the fear that initially produced it. 

Ask Christ Jesus to show you the truth and he will. Be ready to receive it.  

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Lead me in your truth and teach me because you are God, my savior. I wait all day long for you.

~Psalm 25:5 God’s Word Translation

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Go Forth in Hope

When it came time for Jacob to return to his homeland, he left under a cloud of suspicion and distrust. These were similar circumstances that forced him to leave his home twenty years earlier. Jacob never gave up his dubious character that consistently got him into trouble, for he was a schemer, destined to reach for what he wanted.

 

Jacob manipulated his father-in-law out of a large portion of his wealth, then left for home without saying goodbye. He eventually worked out an agreement for peace with his father-in-law. What gave Jacob motivation to leave his father-in-law’s home was the hope God gave him for a safe return to his home and reconciliation with his brother.

When God is at work with a person, he provides hope even in the presence of chaos, separation and sin. Hope pushes us forward and never gives up. Hope sees light in darkness and hears the still small voice of God providing expectancy and courage to make a way even when the road ahead appears barricaded.