Letting Go

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph carries a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him?” Genesis 50:15 AMP

Grudge - Strong’s Lexicon Hebrew 7852 - to hate, oppose oneself to, bear a grudge, retain animosity against, cherish animosity against

And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].

Ephesians 4:27 AMP

Grudge - Dictionary - A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury,  Maintain a feeling of ill will or resentment toward someone

The story of Joseph and his brothers is found in the book of Genesis. To say sibling rivalry played a part in their story would be an understatement; however, the brothers hatred for Joseph proved to be a catalyst to his destiny and the destiny of a nation. God used the jealous rage and evil intent of the brothers toward Joseph and worked it for good. Joseph affirms this in Genesis 50:20 stating, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…”

I would like to say that my forgiveness factor always works like that of Joseph; however, it does not. Unfortunately, I tend to err on the side of the brothers more often than I would like to admit. Granted, I have never thrown anyone into an empty well, nor painted my sibling’s garment in blood to depict their demise; yet, I certainly understand the brothers concern over Joseph holding a grudge.

Now, a grudge I can do, and do quite well. It seems all too easy for me retain animosity over a betrayal. Regrettably, I am not so quick to forgive. Resentment. Jealousy. Revenge. Hatred. Bitterness. Anger. Record of wrong. Wounded. Just plain mad. Not invited. Not included. Not accepted. On the outside looking in. Kept at an arm’s length. You would think all of these thoughts to be juvenile, sophomoric, immature rants that end at puberty; however, I have found these thoughts can erupt at any age if allowed. Recently, such a situation occurred. I was offended. Frustrated with the constant barrage of rejection, I decided enough was enough. I repented before the Lord of the grudge I held toward this person and submitted it to Him ONCE AND FOR ALL! As I prayed, I envisioned my hand being released from this person’s shoulder, freeing them to walk forward. I was shocked! I had no idea my grudge was holding them back from moving forward. My thoughts whirled within me. Oh my goodness! What if Joseph held a grudge toward his brothers? His destiny and the destiny of a nation would never have come to pass. Yikes! How many people have I hobbled through the grudges I’ve kept? Paralyzing grudges that lie secretly in my heart proven to be active in the destiny of others? Oh, Lord! The realization that my choice to bear a grudge, retain animosity, cherishing opposition to another, nurturing anger, cultivating bitterness, harbor resentment, fume with jealousy, could impede the life of another transposing their destiny was mind-boggling! I never realized the undermining power of my taking offense - holding a grudge. But God, in His graciousness revealed the entrapment: my grudge proved to be an opportunity for the enemy.

When I made the choice to hold a grudge against this person, the enemy seized the moment. Nevertheless, when I chose to let go of the offense, God took a hold of the situation and set the captive free! To hold a grudge or to let go comes down to a choice - a choice of the heart. Thank God, Joseph chose to release destiny and not a death sentence to his brothers and to a nation.

Prayer

Father,

I make the choice to let go.

I never meant to give the devil an opportunity. I had no idea I was working to forward the cause of the enemy to effect the lives of others and myself. I never realized the secret frustrations of my heart could hinder the lives of others. I felt justified for their offense proved grievous. Their wrong was obvious to me, my wrong toward them, not so much. I have allowed my animosity to blind me.

I repent, Oh Lord, for harboring an offense, cherishing the right to entertain this persistent ill will toward another. The resentment within in me has caused my eyes to grow dim, and my heart to become callous. I lay down my grudge. I repent of wanting revenge. I repent of hobbling the walk of another holding them back from their destiny. I ask that You would purge us both, Lord, of the residue of this grudge. Remove the blinders from my eyes and soften my heart, as I release ______________ from the grudge I have held against them. I choose to let go of the offense I have taken. In the Name of Jesus, I break the power of the grudge off of my life and the life of those I have blamed, and I take back every opportunity I have given to the enemy, rededicating this ground to the Kingdom of God. Sweet Jesus, set us free - grudge free - to walk out the fullness of our destiny. For in Christ, those the Son sets free are free indeed!

Amen!