“The godless in heart harbor resentment . . .” (Job 36:13 NIV).
The dictionary defines resentment as a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as wrong, insult, or injury. We’re even provided with a few examples of resentment in action: “He’s filled with resentment at his boss . . . She expressed her resentment of the new policies.” Scripture tells us that resentment is so destructive that it “kills a fool” (Job 5:2). So how are we to deal with the reality and reach of resentment when it rears its ugly head in our own lives?
First, we must understand that the Christian life calls us to overcome obstacles. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Regardless of where you are in your life right now, Christ has promised to take you to the other side of it.
But along the way you have also been promised trials and troubles, struggles and storms. Paul assured us that “It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him” (Philippians 1:29 NIV). Scripture is telling us that not only our saving faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from God, but so is much of our suffering! However, because we have been united to Christ, we can have peace in facing every problem. In this world we will have trouble, but take heart! Christ has overcome those troubles . . . even our problem with resentment!
So where in your life have you been feeling resentful? Know this: complaining and a critical spirit often results in a growing feeling of resentment.
Here’s one of my personal traps: choosing the “wrong” check-out line at the grocery store. Even after painstakingly scouring the landscape to make sure I am in the shortest line (even using my children as scouts and/or placeholders), I inevitably find myself stuck behind someone who forgot an item and has to go to the very back of the store to retrieve it, or who feels compelled to summon a manager to dispute a twenty-cent price discrepancy. I immediately feel my blood pressure skyrocketing and I begin to resent this disruption of my careful planning. In the end, I play the part of the slowly dying fool!
And I know I’m not the only person who does this! One of my most beloved seminary professors confessed during a sermon that “Hell, for me, would be one long bank line.” I could only heartily laugh in complete agreement!
The reach of resentment takes the small stuff of life and blows it up into major matters. Resentment moves us from being thankful for all we have received into a sinful, poisonous, self-centered spirit of entitlement. This provides a perfect foothold for Satan to sink comfortably back onto soft pillows on the throne of our lives—a throne that should only and always be inhabited by Christ! Once Satan is in position, he busily engages in handing us all the wedges we need to drive between our resentment and the relationships that truly matter. Countless relationships in the church, home, and workplace have been ruined by running aground on the ruinous rocks of resentment.
- We resent the career advancement of a co-worker as we are passed over once again.
- We resent the marriage proposal to a close friend as we continue walking faithfully in our singleness.
- We resent the birth announcement as our home remains childless.
- We resent the noticeable weight loss of a family member as we waddle into the holidays bigger than ever.
- We resent the anniversary celebration that reminds us of our painful divorce.
The next time you sense those ugly stirrings of resentment, pause and focus on Jesus. Allow Him to replace your resentment with His gift of repentance, and remember that His grace is indeed sufficient to meet our every need . . . even overcoming the reach of resentment!
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 