Avoid "Joy Stealers"

An outstanding attribute of a person’s identity is choosing to be a giver of joy. Do you consider yourself a “joy giver”? If not, giving joy could be an objective you begin to practice for the benefit of others and for yourself as well. To achieve this goal, confront any attitude that holds others at an emotional distance making joy-giving impossible.

 

Joy and a critical attitude are incompatible. To give joy, banish any semblance of criticism and negativity from your thoughts and feelings. These are “joy stealers”. Keep joy consistently in your thoughts by sharing it with others as opportunities arise. A rose isn’t an expression of love until it’s given with love.

Refuse to be preoccupied with resentment. Instead, present these thoughts and feelings to Christ Jesus, and he will empower you with enough grace to love others regardless of their offense. To increase your feelings of joy, continually express thanksgiving for what God has provided. Rejoice always in the love and mercy of Christ Jesus.  

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Don’t criticize and speak evil about each other, dear brothers [and sisters]. If you do, you will be fighting against God’s law of loving one another, declaring it is wrong. But your job is not to decide whether this law is right or wrong, but to obey it.

~James 4:11 The Living Bible

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

~Hebrews 12:14-15 New Living Translation

It is wise to be patient and show what you are like by forgiving others.

~Proverbs 19:11 Contemporary English Version

The Tenacious Grip of Resentment

We are reluctant to be forgiving when we assume the person who offended us doesn't deserve forgiveness. What we fail to see is that it’s to our advantage to forgive those who have wronged us, even in the most severe cases. True forgiveness unshackles us from revenge that’s driven by a compulsion to get even, either directly or passively. 

Unforgiving resentment, hurt, and fear weaken your emotional and physical health. Failing to forgive blocks your chance for happiness by creating negative attitudes that affect every aspect of life. Forcing yourself to be kind and giving toward the person who offended you will diminish the tenacious grip of resentment.

When you make the decision to forgive regardless of what it takes to achieve it, be ready for setbacks. Don't give up and become discouraged. As forgiveness becomes a reality, you will begin to experience a higher quality of life, both spiritually and mentally. Your behavior will please God and he will reward you for obeying Him.  

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Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the Lord.

~Leviticus 19:18 Good News Bible

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

~Romans 12:17-19 New Living Translation