Grudges are a strange thing. It goes by many names: bitterness, vendetta, rancour, resentment. But it all boils down to the same thing.
We don't always seek them intentionally. Sometimes they just "happen", sort of a defense mechanism after someone has hurt us badly.
What most people don't realize, however, is that the grudge you are holding is damaging you, not the person that hurt you. The anger and resentment eats away at you and doesn't let you have peace or move on.
Letting go of that resentment is not a sign of weakness. It doesn't expose
you to danger. You can and should remain vigilant towards somebody that has hurt you severely, in order to not get burned again, but you don't need to harbour that anger and bitterness. Prudence does not require hatred or anger.
The Newsboys released a song many years ago called "Let it go". You can listen to the song through the YouTube link below. I've copied the lyrics below the video. Let it sink in. Let God free you from your bondage to anger.
Let it go (by the Newsboys)
You are waiting on a beach
For a healing word to come
Maybe an apology in a bottle
Maybe a flare that says, "I'm sorry."
And the hurting leaves you numb
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You don't understand it
Let it go
You are waiting on a beach
This is where the east meets west
And as another sun sets on your anger
The darkness laughs, as the wound destroys
And it turns your prayers to noise
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You won't understand it
Let it go
This bitterness you hide
It seeps into your soul
And it steals your joy
'til it's all you know
Let it go
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You won't understand it
Let it go
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
Beneath the Cross
You hear His words,
"Father, forgive them," and you know
You can't understand it
Let it go
.