The Tiniest Bit of Resentment

 “Let all bitterness . . . be put away from you. . .” (Ephesians 4:31)

Breakfast is ready: a big glass of milk, eggs, bacon, buttered toast, and jelly. After a few bites of deliciousness, you take a big sip of milk and gag. You spit out the spoiled milk, but the bitter taste lingered.

People who quickly spin into a frenzy when they observe or experience the unfair treatment of others, including being taken advantage of, must take precautions lest the spirit of resentment creeps its way into their hearts. Inward displeasure against others sometimes begins only as a slight irritation, seeping in slowly. But if ill feelings toward others are left unattended, they soon drift into resentment, then bitterness that can lead to full-blown anger. Inward, unpleasant, built-up emotions often release through the mouth with unpleasant speech and actions not befitting a Christian. Resentment or bitterness may not leave “a nasty taste” in only their hosts; others exposed to the intruders are often affected and influenced by their residue.

No matter how one champions the rights of others, no matter how noble the deed—if the tiniest trace of resentment exists, we are as guilty as the offender. An unmerciful attitude toward the failings of others indicates we have set a standard by which others are measured and judged. God’s Word is the only standard by which we are to conduct ourselves, and God alone is Judge of who falls short of His standard. Our duty as Christians is to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as God forgave us our sins for Christ’s sake (v. 32). Not even the tiniest bit of resentment or bitterness should have a place in the lives of believers.