ANGER AND ITS ILLEGITIMATE COUSIN, RESENTMENT

ANGER AND ITS ILLEGITIMATE COUSIN, RESENTMENT, ARE USELESS AND THEY HAVE NO VALUE

We looked at anger in the previous post now let us look at one of its cousins, resentment. One, that most carry around like a badge of honor. Although illegitimate, it can wreak havoc if left un-dealt with. “You cannot have a heavenly mind and show such a high degree of resentment.”

RESENTMENT – The excitement of passion which proceeds from a sense of wrong offered to ourselves, or to those who are connected with us; anger. This word usually expresses less excitement than anger, though it is often synonymous with it. It expresses much less than wrath, exasperation, and indignation. In this use, resentment is not the sense or perception of injury, but the excitement which is the effect of it.

Resentment can and often does lead to anger, especially when we focus on the wrong long enough. It is the illegitimate (without a formal reasoning behind it), immoral, and least justified form of anger: it is usually directed at something someone did, or said such your spouse, child, a parent, or even God. Resentment is all about emotion, and for those who harbor it, there is no strength or value to be gained, just on-going anger. And we know that what you do to others will come back to you. This is why we give our anger, resentment, and all other negative emotions, to God, in Jesus’ name. (Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord).

Resentment can be set in motion by sitting around thinking that you have received unfair treatment by another person. Or it could stem from an injustice, the butt of a joke or an insult. Either way, resentment originates from a love of the world and worldly things and a lack of faith in God and His plan. It is one thing to recognize unfair treatment, and even to do something about it, according to God’s way, but it is not helpful to wallow in feelings of self-righteous anger; holding a pointless and exhausting grudge. Let us be reminded that God allows us to experience consequences when we hold grudges. (James 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door). (Leviticus 19:18 – Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD).

When the one you are angry with comes in your presence or you in theirs, don’t fight with them. Think of what Jesus would do. Then reach down in your righteous reserve and calmly and lovingly try and talk to them. This will help calm them and you down and help their anger dissipate. Because when we have allowed resentment to set in, due to our anger, and we don’t get it under control, we may do or say something we might regret later or act in a way that could hurt those around us. Don’t act based on your negative emotion (how you feel) but wait until you have had to calm down, and the anger vanishes before deciding regarding something or acting against something. We must not forget that anger is a normal response to some situations, but it’s how you deal with it that makes it either a sin or a steppingstone to righteousness. (Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:)

When a person becomes angry, doesn’t control it, and allows resentment to fill their heart, they tend to push those around them away, especially ones who are closest to them. It is for everyone’s benefit that when you are confronted with a situation that makes you angry, remain calm and talk things out rather than engage in a fight with the other person. Because the continual pushing away will lead to one being alone; therefore utter loneliness. (Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:)

Be very careful who you keep company with. Because when we permit others who can’t control their anger and easily become resentful, to come into our space, we can pick up some of their habits, including their negative ways of handling situations. You can tell a lot about a person depending on the friends they have. (Show Me Your Friends – I’ll Show You Your Character – Proverbs 13:20. Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm).

Sometimes it is hard to stay away (especially if they are in the same household as you) from people who choose to fight over everything; this way of acting goes against God’s Word, Will, and Way; His wishes. We must understand this, our powers (given by God, through Jesus) are only as great according to how we control our emotions, have patience, and not allow anger and resentment take over.

It will be a glorious day when all the world chooses to do good, rather than acting on negative resentful emotions. He wants you to come to Him with the issues that lead to problems, leaving your anger outside. In order for this to happen (it really can) we must keep our faith in God and trust that He will guide us in dealing with the troubles, trials, situations, and circumstances, we face daily. And using the strength He gives us, try to react without anger: an angry person is prone to doing that which goes against God’s word. And Anger begets more anger around it; kindness can conjure more kindness. (1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.) (Proverbs 12:16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame).

Only foolish resentful people give their anger and rage permission to take over, unlike wise ones who know how to keep their anger in check. And our God, Who has it all in His capable hand, grants glory to those who recognize their anger and control it. ANGER AND ITS COUSIN, RESENTMENT, ARE USELESS AND THEY HAVE NO VALUE! GODS GOT IT NO WORRY NO FEAR.