Grudges

A grudge is one of those words that defines itself. Its very sound betrays its meaning. Say it slowly: “Grr-uuuud-ge.”

It starts with a growl. “Grr . . . ” Like a bear with bad breath coming out of hibernation or a mangy mongrel defending his bone in an alley. “Grr . . . .”

Being near a resentful person and petting a growling dog are equally enjoyable.

Don’t you just love being next to people who are nursing a grudge? Isn’t it a delight to listen to them sing their songs of woe? They are so optimistic! They are so full of hope. They are bubbling with life.

You know better. You know as well as I that if they are bubbling with anything, it is anger. And if they are full of anything, it is poisonous barbs of condemnation for all the people who have hurt them. Grudge bearers and angry animals are a lot alike. Both are irritable. Both are explosive. Both can be rabid. Someone needs to make a sign that can be worn around the neck of the resentful: “Beware of the Grrrrrrudge Bearer.”

Add an M to the second part of the word, and you see what grudge bearers throw. Mud. It’s not enough to accuse; the other person’s character must be attacked. It’s insufficient to point a finger; a rifle must be aimed. Slander is slung. Names are called. Circles are drawn. Walls are built. And enemies are made . . . .

Is this the way you are coping with your hurts?

Study Guide

Read Genesis 37:3–20

* In what ways has your life been affected by grudges?

* Describe the anatomy of a grudge. How do they come about?

* Think about a time that you held a grudge against someone. What changed about you during that time?

* How can a grudge, if unchecked, lead to even more serious sins?

* How do grudges affect your relationship with God?

* In what ways do you need God’s help to deal with a grudge in your life, either in you or against you?

* What does it feel like to be on the receiving end of a grudge?

* What does it feel like to be grudge-free?

Taken from The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible