In the context of the Bible, the concept of resentment is often intertwined with themes of anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Resentment can be understood as a feeling of displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that address the dangers and spiritual implications of harboring resentment.

Old Testament Context

Resentment is not explicitly named in the Old Testament, but its manifestations are evident in various narratives. One of the earliest examples can be found in the account of Cain and Abel. Cain's resentment towards Abel, due to God's favor upon Abel's offering, ultimately led to the first murder. Genesis 4:5-6 states, "but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen?'"

The account of Esau and Jacob also illustrates resentment. Esau's bitterness towards Jacob for stealing his birthright and blessing is palpable. Genesis 27:41 records, "Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau determined in his heart: 'The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'"

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly the Proverbs, offers guidance on dealing with anger and resentment. Proverbs 19:11 advises, "A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense." This suggests that wisdom and understanding can help mitigate feelings of resentment by encouraging forgiveness and patience.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus' teachings emphasize the importance of forgiveness and the dangers of harboring resentment. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses anger and reconciliation. Matthew 5:23-24 instructs, "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the issue of resentment in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:31-32 , he writes, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This passage highlights the transformative power of forgiveness and kindness as antidotes to resentment.

Parables and Illustrations

Jesus' parables often illustrate the destructive nature of resentment and the necessity of forgiveness. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) is a poignant example. The servant, forgiven a great debt by his master, refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. His lack of mercy and harboring of resentment leads to his downfall, underscoring the expectation of forgiveness among believers.

Practical Implications

The biblical narrative consistently warns against the spiritual and relational damage caused by resentment. Believers are encouraged to seek reconciliation, practice forgiveness, and cultivate a heart of compassion. Resentment, if left unchecked, can lead to further sin and separation from God and others. The call to forgive as God forgives is a central tenet of Christian teaching, urging believers to release resentment and embrace the freedom found in grace and mercy.(imp. & p. p.) of Resent.

On the Negative Spirit
... The thing which is resented, and, as I think, rightly resented, in that great modern
literature of which Ibsen is typical, is that while the eye that can ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/ii on the negative spirit.htm

On the Way to Thebes
... Ritual-bound Egypt had resented liberty of worship"a liberalism that lacked
naught in zeal or piety, but added grace to the Osirian faith. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxi on the way.htm

Guelf and Ghibelline. (I)
... rights. And, much as the Italians resented the spasmodic interferences of
the Emperor, they were proud of their imperial connection. ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter viii guelf and ghibelline.htm

Christ Crucified
... St. Mark asserts it. The small and bitter heart of Pilate keenly resented
his defeat and the victory of the priests. Perhaps it ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 21-32 christ crucified.htm

The Power of the Blood of the Lamb
... blessing and saving of men. Any one but the Lamb would have resented and
resisted the treatment men gave Him. But He, in obedience ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hession/the calvary road/chapter 9 the power of.htm

Book ix. In the Last Book we Treated of the Indistinguishable ...
... At the outset, then, I would ask these misinterpreters, "Do you think that the Lord
resented being called good?" Would He rather have been called bad, as seems ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book ix in the last.htm

Preface.
... For his friend asking him, with such an affectionate concern as became a friend,
"where he should deposit his remains," it was resented by Socrates, as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/young/youngs night thoughts/preface.htm

Archaisms in the Hymns
... The earlier and wider significance of the word (as in the hymn) is seen in these
examples: It was mighty well resented and approved of. [39]. ...
/.../iii archaisms in the hymns.htm

The Importance of the Death of Christ in Preaching and in Theology
... gospel at all. Many ministers have suffered from the charge of not preaching
the gospel, and have resented it as an injustice. In any ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 6 the importance of.htm

The Transplanting of Congregationalism
... In the constitutional imbroglio, James resented the attempt of Parliament to curb
his extravagance by its method of granting him money on condition that he ...
/.../chapter ii the transplanting of.htm

Resented (1 Occurrence)
...Resented (1 Occurrence). Acts 7:27 "But the man who was doing the wrong resented
his interference, and asked, "'Who appointed you magistrate and judge over us? ...
/r/resented.htm - 6k

Naaman (19 Occurrences)
... He at first haughtily resented the humiliation and declined the cure; but on the
remonstrance of his attendants he yielded and obtained cleansing. ...
/n/naaman.htm - 15k

Nabathaeans
... Conscious now of their own strength, they resented the ambition of the Hasmonean
Dynasty-their former allies-and opposed Alexander Janneus (96 BC) at the siege ...
/n/nabathaeans.htm - 11k

Nabataeans
... Conscious now of their own strength, they resented the ambition of the Hasmonean
Dynasty-their former allies-and opposed Alexander Janneus (96 BC) at the siege ...
/n/nabataeans.htm - 11k

Nabal (18 Occurrences)
... was about to shear his sheep, he sent ten of his young men to ask "whatsoever cometh
unto thy hand for thy servants." Nabal insultingly resented the demand ...
/n/nabal.htm - 16k

Woman (4043 Occurrences)
... The majority of the people strongly resented this act of profanation (Numbers
25:6). A pestilence was raging in the camp, and Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, in ...
/w/woman.htm - 45k

Interference (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 7:27 "But the man who was doing the wrong resented his interference, and
asked, "'Who appointed you magistrate and judge over us? (WEY). ...
/i/interference.htm - 7k

Tirhakah (2 Occurrences)
... of Egypt and the charioteers of the king of Meruhha, and then, having taken Eltekeh,
Timna, and Ekron, he brought out Padi from Jerusalem, and resented him on ...
/t/tirhakah.htm - 11k

Resentful (3 Occurrences)

/r/resentful.htm - 7k

Resent (1 Occurrence)

/r/resent.htm - 7k

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