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We asked ourselves;
Question:
What exactly in the past influenced the outcome of my life? Asking God's help, we prepare ourselves with pen and paper.
Absolute honesty is the key as we commence. We urge you to be of like mind, as the degree of recovery and regeneration relates directly to the degree of honesty.
We
begin with a RESENTMENT OR GRUDGE LIST.
Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned.
James 5:9
THE MANIFESTATION OF SELF THROUGH RESENTMENT IS THE FOUNDATION OF ALL SPIRITUAL ILLNESS AND THE NUMBER ONE DESTROYER OF ALL HUMAN BEINGS.
Painful consequences always follow, where the presence of resentment is unchecked.
Emotional illness, anger and every form of trouble in human beings, has its roots in resentment.
When we personally allow the presence of resentment to abide in our lives, we automatically transfer the control of our lives into the hands of others. For those dependent on God's grace for life support, including ex-alcoholics and other addicts, the presence of resentment can prove fatal.
The following suggested layout of a resentment or grudge list may take time, but it is simple, requiring honesty and thoroughness. We list who we are resentful towards, and ask ourselves why, writing down our answers. Leaving no stone unturned, we proceed like the following example.
I'm resentful at:
My sister-in-law: Ignores me: Minds our business:
Gossips: Treats her husband poorly:
Always Borrowing.
My boss: Difficult to know where I stand with him: Has a suspicious nature:
Never says what he means: Always wants more:
Never forgets:
My wife: Likes my sister-in-law: Joins in gossip: Greets my boss with a hug:
Is easily led: Wastes money on non-essentials:
Nags: Complains that I neglect her:
My neighbor: Sticky nose, threatened to belt me for hitting my wife during an argument:
Told my wife she should leave with the kids: Holds Grudges:
My kids: Close mouthed:
My social club: My church: My pastor: Other people and organizations.
How clearly our completed list shows how much personal pride, security, and self-esteem, have been threatened and affected. It is fear - fear of harm to "self" - that births the resentments that control us.
We can now see how it is absolutely essential for us to learn how to handle this form of spiritual sickness in ourselves, not just others.
Jesus: Judge not, that ye be not judged. Matthew 7:1
That I should need to forgive another, shows that I have previously judged and condemned them for their actions toward me. Perhaps too, like our Lord, I may have been innocent and victimized, as well.
However, I must repent, and forgive myself for judging, and in so doing I forgive the person whose action I have resented. Additionally I am able to meet one of God's eternal conditions.
