From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
Someone once said that nothing lasts longer than a happy memory.
I thought about that for a bit and was in hearty agreement until I thought of something else that can also last a long time: a nursed grudge.
I am aware of a situation where an adult son and his father have not spoken in over a decade, yet live less than an hour’s drive away from each other.
Some sort of disagreement between them festered and then exploded sending the grown men in opposite directions from each other.
It has created an awkward conflict amongst other members of both the immediate and extended family.
It is the proverbial elephant in the room which sits there unaddressed and unresolved.
The Bible clearly teaches that grudges should be dealt with as quickly as possible, whether the incident occurred recently or it happened long ago but has just now come to the attention of those affected.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-25, “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him…”
Why is that we are so staunch in holding out for our rights that we will refuse to make amends, even if it means losing the gift of relationship?
Such arrogance will stain the very memory of that relationship to the point that even happy memories from the past are sacrificed on the altar of stubborn pride.
Exactly how badly do you need to be right about something?
Wouldn’t it be better to resolve the issue and then start making happy memories again?
Count the cost, my friend.
I think if you compare the outcomes of reconciliation versus unresolved conflict, a happy memory far outweighs a nursed grudge.
The choice is yours.
