Anger and Resentment

ANGER AND RESENTMENT

    Who among us has never felt angry with someone or over something someone has said or done that directly offends us? Of course we have, we are all human and capable of many different emotions at any given moment. Someone purposely lies about us or emotionally hurts one of our children, and we want to correct this matter.

   What I am referring to here and now, however, is not that kind of anger. I am referring to anger feelings that do not subside, and lead to revenge. Anger when an offender apologizes for putting out misinformation about us. The type of anger that develops into distrust for others who have never offended us. Becoming someone who is unforgiving, and criticizing of others.

   We feel entitled to these negative feelings because we have been hurt (whether it had been intentional or unintentional), and vow never to trust anyone again. We can slide into the negativity of becoming one who shows no empathy, mercy, or forgiveness toward anyone. This is not only hurtful to those around us, it can destroy our lives in many ways, both emotionally, spiritually, and physiologically. It is a known fact that our thoughts, actions, and feelings can directly affect our immune system, and our level of comfort within ourselves, and also distance us from God.

  In forgiving of others, we can help ourselves because we can relieve the stress that accompanies resentments, and bring us closer to God. Anger and resentment can raise one’s blood pressure, cause stomach issues, and more.

   When we live as loving human beings, adopting an understanding that each of us is susceptible to imperfections and faults, it becomes a bit easier to relinquish our criticism, and correction of others. This can create new inner feelings of peace with the world, especially the joy which is stimulated within us through God’s blessings.

   It is worth mentioning that when we are criticized, or corrected by someone near to us, and we feel that we have been unnecessarily judged, we might simply express those feelings to our offender and ask that they respect our feelings as we also, will respect their feelings. Then forgive and forget.