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Peace be with you.

And happy Monday!

Today we’re considering two questions: What is a grudge? And why is it unhealthy?

A grudge is defined as “a persistent feeling of resentment, especially one due to some cause, such as an insult or injury.”

Books, movies, and TV dramas present grudges as justification for a character taking action – usually some form of vengeance or, at the very least, spite. It makes for a fun story, but in reality, grudges aren’t very useful. In fact, they’re truly unhealthy.

Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and wishing the person who wronged you could taste it. You’re only making yourself more bitter while they’re off living their lives.

Holding onto anger darkens your personality. Bitterness taints your interpersonal interactions and how others perceive you.

People like me who want more positivity, love, and peace in our lives avoid angry, bitter, negative grudge holders. Our energy doesn’t resonate, so we keep our distance.

Negative attracts negative.

Negativity feeds negativity.

So, how do you break that cycle?

Forgiveness!

Don’t wait for an apology that may never come. Don’t wait for someone else to give you closure. Just forgive. Just let it go.

You can’t pray for miracles and expect positive outcomes in your life when you’re holding onto anger, hatred, and drinking that poison.

Your response to the world around you is the one thing in this world you can control, and forgiveness is one of the highest and best responses.

My challenge to you this week is to check your cup and make sure it doesn’t have poison in it. If it does, dump it out. Release that grudge.

Go forth and forgive!



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