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Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31–32, ESV

Grudges cause so much hurt, but so many people hold on to them. Throughout history we see the cost of grudges, particularly those that span generations. In Europe, we have had wars fought over them. In the Middle East, we see the conflict caused by sustained hatred over generations. In the United States, we have had series made over the Hatfields and the McCoys. As Christians, we are not to hold onto our anger and are not meant to seek or desire the harm of another, but are to seek to be a people of forgiveness. Anger does nothing good for our souls nor does it help propagate the further spreading of the Gospel. When wronged, we are reminded to forgive. Forgiveness is not meant to only be given when the party that has wronged us asks for it, but to forgive even when they don’t desire it from us. Forgiveness is not only for their benefit, but to free our souls from the burden of the hurt. It doesn’t excuse the wrong but sets us free from its continued poisoning of our hearts. Jesus forgave those who nailed Him to the Cross and those who beat Him with the scourge. He forgave those mocking Him and He brought us forgiveness, so we could know His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.