On Anger and Resentment

Most people are driven by resentment and anger.

They hold on to hurts and never get over them. Instead of releasing their pain through forgiveness, they rehearse it over and over in their minds.

Resentment always hurts you more than it does the person you resent. While your offender has probably forgotten the offense and gone on with life, you continue to stew in your pain, perpetuating the past.

Listen: Those who have hurt you in the past cannot continue to hurt you now unless you hold on to the pain through resentment. Your past is past! Nothing will change it. You are only hurting yourself with your bitterness. For you own sake, learn from it, and then let it go.

The Bible says, "To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do. "

- Rick Warren, The Purpose-Driven Life