Below the Surface

“Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.”
Job 5:2 New International version

My sister recently had an unusual experience when she went for a massage. A co-worker referred her to a woman she felt comfortable with and who had exceptional skills. At some point during the massage, the masseuse told my sister that she has a lot of resentment. Naturally my sister was baffled because not only did she not feel resentful toward anyone, she certainly wondered how this lady rubbing her skin could make such a statement!?

The masseuse’s words stayed with my sister and she asked me about it and what I thought. I considered it odd but intriguing. The only thing I was told once during a massage was that I held all my stress in my derriere and that I would never have arthritis in my hands. Otherwise, I hadn’t a clue but wanted my sister to be aware she had touched on a rather ethereal and troubled topic that I did not want to touch with a twenty foot pole. However, she asked me to write a post on resentment, so here goes. This is for you, Sis! Mwah!

Tragedy, pain and even disappointments touch everyone in life. How many of us allow these negative events to sour into resentment and even bitterness? These two closely related deadly dangers may seep into our hearts without our awareness.

Resentment MOST OFTEN grows after some sort of disappointment. It can build and morph into deep levels over time becoming more difficult and laborious to remove. It creates a soothing sense of distance for the individual infected by it but not for those nearby. Resentment creates barriers to insure distance. It functions as a multi-layer protection system from disappointment to barricade oneself from the ultimate enemy of. . . PAIN.

We want to protect ourselves at all costs from pain. But this is a vicious cycle that diffuses short term pain of one type for long term pain of another. STOP THE MADNESS! Get off the RESENTMENT Train!
Bitterness ALWAYS stems from hurt, always. If the hurt is not healed promptly and properly, it will ferment in our hearts until it’s a toxic cancer spreading and destroying our minds and bodies. This is why the Bible warns frequently against bitterness. Ephesians 4:31 says, “Get rid of all BITTERNESS, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” New Living translation

Bitterness is listed first I believe because it affects and can intensify everything else on that list. All of which are considered “evil behaviors.” If we do not take action against bitterness and remain in victim mode, the cost is steep. It can:

• Prolong mental and/or emotional pain
• Lead to long-lasting anxiety and/or depression
• Precipitate vengeful thoughts and acts
• Prevent you from experiencing the potential joys of living fully in the present —vs. dwelling self-righteously on the past wrongs inflicted on you
• Create or deepen an attitude of distrust and cynicism
• Rob you of vital energy
• Interfere with cultivating healthy, satisfying relationships
• Undermine your physical health by inducing such problems as insomnia, high blood pressure, back pain, headaches, abdominal conditions etc..,

This is by no means a comprehensive list but you get the idea. Bitterness is not your friend! Get rid of it as quickly as you can!

Begin by scouring your memory for disappointments and pains inflicted on you by others. Write them out in a journal. Pray over them an ask Jesus through His Holy Spirit to renew your mind concerning these events. Ask Him to heal your body where resentment and bitterness have caused damage.

Wait and watch God work to bring about peace and freedom in your heart. Begin to FLURISH one moment at a time, while He melts away your resentment and bitterness.

Shine on. . .
karan k