So much of what I write about in my blog is based upon first hand observations and in this case experienced moments. I like to think of myself as above the fray when it comes to resentment because we all know it is bad for you; not how God wants us to live and just plain a waste of time. I have no idea where the expression comes from but I heard that resentment is "the poison I drink in the hopes you die." Man, if that is not backwards I do not know what is.
But here I find myself at a time struggling with resentment. I mean after all, why should I give up the right to be mad? I have been treated unfairly and in my way of thinking, this demands justice. I need to tell others of this grievous injury so they can avoid my fate. I need to pull others to my side and gather around me a lynch mob of support. I need to pray imprecatory Psalms upon those people who hurt me and in a nice churchy way, say this: "Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. (10) Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. Yes, yes, yes Banish them Lord. I think I could really get to like this concept of banishment.
The problem is the one who is banished is me. Banishment means to exile, and resentment does nothing more than isolate us. It pulls us in to this internal place of condemnation where we stew over the perceived injustices. And there we sit isolated from hope, isolated from others, and isolated from healing that only God can provide.
Might be time to "bury the hatchet" as they say. Resentment says to bury the hatchet right in the heart of the offender. But the original intent of the expression is a peace treaty. The treaty is with me, and the peace gained is within. Peace sounds much better than banishment.
