Resentful and Angry.

Ever been “resentful and angry”? What did it lead to? Probably nothing good.

King Ahab, Israel’s most wicked king, let those feelings ruin him. First, he failed to kill the Lord’s enemy, the evil king of Aram.

The prophet told him God would take his life instead, and he “went home resentful and angry.” 1 Kings 20:43.

Then Ahab tried to force Naboth to trade him a vineyard and Naboth said no. “So Ahab went to his palace resentful and angry,” 1 Kings 21:4. 

But his anger led to the murder of Naboth, and for that, Ahab was punished. Not only would he and his evil wife Jezebel die, but they would not receive burial. And the same would go for all their descendants and servants: “He who dies in the city, the dogs will eat, he who dies in the country, the birds will eat.” That is a shameful punishment. In fact, Jezebel would later be thrown out a window and eaten by dogs so quickly, only her bony head, hands, and feet would even be found.

And THAT is why you cannot tolerate resentment and anger! It will destroy you! When people make you mad, deal with it. Talk to them, talk to God, get advice, pray for help forgiving them—do whatever it takes.

But—

“Do NOT let a “root of bitterness spring up, and by it many be defiled.” Hebrews 12:15.

Dear God, please teach us forgive, to have patience. Show us how to stand up for ourselves and speak for justice. But make us wise about forgiveness. Help us to have a Christlike attitude toward those who hurt us. Help us to forgive, even if it’s for selfish reasons. Remind us that unforgiveness ALWAYS causes a root of bitterness—and that always causes “many to be defiled.” Fill our hearts with your love, and help us forgive from a place of power and strength. We love you. Teach us to love your word, and to let it change us every day.

ΑΩ