It is truly a terrible thing to show anger and resentment towards another human being. But guess what? We all encounter those emotions — these very human emotions that in some respects, we have a right to feel. According to Kathy Freston, author of Quantum Wellness, people need to acknowledge their anger and resentment; bringing to light these negative emotions can help us release emotions that are destructive on our minds and bodies. If you are angry and feeling resentful about a past pain or hurt, allow yourself to feel it. Supressing anger and resentment can lead to health illnesses and mental disorders (like depression and anxiety) and will keep you from moving foward on the path that God has lain for you.
Once you acknowlege your pain, ask God to heal you, to forgive you for anger and bitter feelings and to forgive those who have hurt you. Study Bible scriptures by meditating on the Word daily. Below are some powerful scriptures that can help you come to terms with your anger and resentment. Understand that time will eventually heal, and know that God will work with you and heal you. Freedom is just right around the corner. Keep the faith and let God handle it.
“Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled” (Hebrews 12:14,15).
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14,15).
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31,32).
Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23).
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:14-21).
According to Crossroads.com, it is suggested that you pray in such manner:
Father, I acknowledge that I’ve held resentment and bitterness against __________________. I confess this as sin and ask you to forgive me. I forgive __________________. Remind me, Lord, to not hold any more resentments, but rather to love this person. Father, I ask you to also forgive __________________. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.
