Mitzvah 32  

A teaching by Edri (Gregory)

32. Not to bear a grudge (Lev. 19:18)

People carry “grudges” typically because of some perceived wrong done to them including hostile words towards them.  To avoid other's holding grudges against you, Mishle/Proverbs says "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger". - Prov:15:1 

A grudge, according to Webster's means..

: to be unwilling to give or admit :

Unwilling to give what?

Answer : Forgiveness.

Unwilling to admit what?  

Answer : That there is even a grudge held against someone in the first place.

Grudges can be held against others in marriages, business relations, or other interpersonal relationships across the whole spectrum.

YHWH says .. 

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 YHWH.

How do we handle things when someone bears a grudge against us?

Mt:5:23: Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24: Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

What can happen if you bear a grudge and when said person comes to you to reconcile, you are not forgiving the person you bear a grudge against?

Mk:11:25: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 :But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Remember these guidelines when you are relating to each other in the Love of Messiah.

Eph:4:26: Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Do not let things get out of hand.  Reconcile before the sun goes down!  Good wisdom from YHWH's word.

Prov:15:1: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Speak with the most uncritical, and least abrasive language and manner you possibly can unto others.  You will gain them as a brother or sister in most cases if you conduct your affairs this way.

 

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