Grudge and Sludge

From My Perspective - - -

There is a wide range of potential and possibility in terms of human behavior. In practical understanding, we have all experienced events that have made us very happy as well as those that have brought great sadness. For instance, Marriage is usually a time of great joy and happiness whereas Divorce is a time of considerable sadness, hurt and bitter exchanges. Max Lucado writes in his book – The Applause of Heaven, “…Unfaithfulness is wrong. Revenge is bad. But the worst part of all is that, without forgiveness, bitterness is all that is left. The state of your heart dictates whether you harbor a grudge or give grace, seek self-pity or seek Christ, drink human misery or taste God’s mercy…”

Bitterness and Anger start out when one has the desire to inflict some kind of affliction upon another. This falls into the category of revenge. In fact, the word “revenge” means: “To inflict punishment in return for (injury or insult); to seek or take vengeance for…” The word “bitterness” has varied meanings and among them are: “Proceeding from or exhibiting strong animosity; Resulting from or expressive of severe grief; anguish, or disappointment; Marked by resentment or cynicism…” And the word “anger” includes this meaning: “A strong passion or emotion of displeasure or antagonism, excited by a real or supposed injury or insult to one's self or others, or by the intent to do such injury…” The Synonyms for “Anger” include: Resentment; wrath; rage; fury; passion; ire gall; indignation; displeasure; vexation; grudge…”

These reactions to events in life can and will affect ones body, soul and spirit. While it may be aimed towards another, it impacts the individual giving expression to these emotions. There is a simmering within and it slowly comes to a boil – then – either by design or unexpectedly, there is a boiling over, an eruption, and like pus with an infected sore – it oozes and pours out. The Associated Press reported yesterday (September 19, 2008) about an incident of Road Rage in Baton Rouge, LA. The Headline indicates: “Mother, Son Arrested for Severe Road-Rage Beating of 70-Year-Old and contains the report: “A case of alleged road rage has landed a teenager and his mother behind bars. Police say 18-year-old Eric…was arrested after he severely beat up a 70-year-old man. They also say he had some help. The teen's 53-year-old mother, Rhonda…, was also arrested…Witnesses say the victim was hit so hard that his teeth were knocked out and he had to get about 40 stitches in his upper lip. Both the teenager and his mother have been booked on charges of second-degree battery.”

In an interesting article about the Causes Of Road Rage, the following is stated: “Another attitude that drivers tend to have is temper. More than 80% of drivers are angry all or most of the time while driving. When people get angry, they lose their sense of judgment and values and let their instincts take control. This is especially bad while driving under tense situations. The tempered driver becomes upset over the littlest driving mistake made by another driver. They then react against that driver in an aggressive way, leading to a more harsh situation. If all drivers would be aware of their attitudes, then there might be less cases of road rage…” If this thesis is correct, namely, “80% of drivers are angry all or most of the time while driving”, it means four out of five drivers on the roads are ticking time bombs that can explode at the slightest perceived or actual incident/provocation.

Consider these things with me, as well as - - - the Word of God includes the following instructions for ones behavior and good, namely, Ephesians 4:29-32 (NLT), “Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live…Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” This can be our reality if we make room for the Triune God in our lives. Let’s try it! I’m certain we will like it and be better for it!