Grievances and Resentments - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) January 20, 2026

God has spoken repeatedly in the Bible that He does not condone His people harboring anger in their hearts. Many will point to Jesus at the Temple when, in anger, he chased the sellers away (Matthew 21:12). They will claim that if He was angry, then it is fine for them to be the same. This overlooks the fact that His anger stemmed from righteous indignation at how a place dedicated to the Lord was being treated. His reaction had nothing to do with how others treated Him, as is usually the case when the average person is angry, but how His Father was being disrespected.

When we contextualize that display of anger, we see that it would be an exaggeration to extend that incident beyond what it represents. God does not want His people angry and squabbling with one another. Sadly, we Christians often forget this, and in keeping with worldly standards, we not only get unduly angry, but we also allow such anger to become sin. In doing so, we forget the warning in Ephesians 4:26 - In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. How often do we remember this when we allow anger to grow and gain tentacles that reach into every part of our lives?

Sure, anger is a natural emotion. God knew we would experience it. However, He didn't want us to hold onto it because it is bad for us. This is why Jesus warned that anger leads to our judgment (Matthew 5:22). It is also why King David warned in Proverbs 4:23 - Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts (GNT). If we don't avoid meditating on the things that fuel the fire of rage in our hearts and minds, we'll be sure to say and do things from a place of anger. Anger steals from us. It gives satan leverage when it opposes us and our prayers. The only one happy when we're angry is the devil - the accuser of God's people (Revelation 12:10).

Holding onto anger and allowing it to develop into grievances and resentments against people, institutions, or systems is not what God wants for anyone who belongs to Him. He instead wants believers to quickly let that emotion go. His children are to repent for their anger, then forgive whoever or whatever offended them. Proverbs 19:11 - A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Plus, we are told in Colossians 3:8 - But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips (BSB).

And we may have tried to let our angry emotions go without success. In such cases, it is crucial to pray to God to help us. We need to ask Him to take over our emotions and truly allow Him to do so, because He will. If we let Him have His way, He will wash away the memories and triggers that spur us to anger, whether justified or not. We also need to be intentional in recognizing our triggers and avoiding them so the seed of anger isn't planted in our hearts. We can't use the excuse that God sees our hearts to keep getting angry without actively working on the issue.

God says we aren't to be angry and shouldn't allow that emotion to fester. It should be no surprise then that He won't judge the situation by whether or not we believe our feelings are justified. Remember, He shows grace and love to everyone He created, both righteous and unrighteous (Matthew 5:45). It is not for us to challenge this approach; after all, we were beneficiaries of that kindness before we decided to honor Him with our lives. Just as He gave us time to choose Him, He has to give time to others to make the same choice. Please let the anger go so you aren't standing as a judge against that person because Jesus said, Do not judge, or you too will be judged (Matthew 7:1).

Therefore, holding grievances and resentments against people whom God is likely working on becomes a waste of emotions, energy, and time. It is better to focus on our walk with the Lord and applying the energy and time needed for that than holding on to how someone hurt us. This is not to say that the effect of that person's treatment wasn't real or that it wasn't painful. It's just that, if we submit those hurts to God and forgive, the door is opened for us to enjoy more of God's healing grace and transformation. That way, anger won't bring judgment upon us and won't become a grievance or resentment that stops the more - the fullness of life that God has for us.

It goes without saying that if we are not to hold grievances and resentments against people, it is best not to have such feelings toward the Almighty God who created them. His thoughts and ways are beyond our comprehension. As a result, He can do things or permit situations that we don't understand. Those experiences may often be unpleasant. Nevertheless, being angry with Him isn't the way to go. Certainly, God is gracious, and with the intercession of Jesus, we enjoy His patience. Yet, let us not forget Isaiah 45:9 - “What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ (NLT)

King Asa was upset with God for disciplining him, and his end wasn't good. Jonah resented God's choice to show mercy to Nineveh. The Lord kindly taught him that He will show compassion upon those who are contrite and seek His forgiveness for sin. Esau held a grievance against his brother, Jacob (Genesis 27:41). For all intents and purposes, most can admit that his anger was justified. And yet, God didn't think so. Esau's descendants, the Edomites, inherited his feelings and held an ancient grudge against Jacob's descendants, the Israelites. And God judged that they be destroyed (Amos 1:11-12).

I would be a hypocrite if I didn't admit to getting angry. The truth is, I, too, get irritated. However, the Lord has taught me to take better control of my emotions and submit them to Him at all times. He has also shown me the consequences of failing to do so. His command is that I quickly repent for the anger, irritation, and frustration that I focused on people or organizations. He showed me that a better way to use my emotions and the energy they create is to have compassion, show grace, give in the place of prayer, and be more understanding.

By His grace, I'm a work in progress, and have learned that anger doesn't have to rule my life. I have also learned that some relationships require distance as God works on all parties, but while He's working, I have abandoned my 'rights' to be angry or hold resentments. I instead seek to enjoy the peace Jesus gave to all who believe in Him. I pray this and so much more for you as you let the Lord free you of the anger, grievances, grudges, and resentments acting as shackles to keep you from all that is your rightful inheritance as God's child, IJMN, Amen.​

As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

1. Idle Words Block Blessings​

2. Careful what you say​

3. Don't Slander or Blaspheme God​

4. Thou Shalt Not Be Petty​

5. Do What Pleases God​

6. 1 Peter 2:17 (Respect, Love, Fear, Honor)​

7. Have You Changed?​

8. Empty Words​

9. Complete Respect (1 Peter 2:18)​

10. Christian, Guard Your Tongue​

11. Are You Bitter?​

12. Spirit-Filled But Worldly?​

13. How To Approach God​

14. Pray Against Willful Sin​

15. Topic: Humility​

16. Topic: Anger