Resentment is a deep-seated feeling of anger or bitterness that arises from perceived wrongs or injustices. In the context of biblical teachings, resentment is often seen as a destructive emotion that can hinder one's relationship with God and others. The Bible addresses the dangers of harboring resentment and encourages believers to seek forgiveness and reconciliation.

Biblical References

1. Ephesians 4:31-32 : "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 importance of removing bitterness and resentment from one's life, emphasizing forgiveness as a key Christian virtue.

2. Hebrews 12:15 : "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many." Here, the "root of bitterness" can be understood as resentment, which can grow and cause harm not only to the individual but also to the community.

3. Matthew 6:14-15 : "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours." Jesus teaches that forgiveness is essential for receiving God's forgiveness, implying that holding onto resentment can obstruct one's spiritual life.

4. Proverbs 10:12 : "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions." Resentment, often rooted in hatred, leads to conflict, whereas love and forgiveness can heal and restore relationships.

Theological Insights

Resentment is often linked to pride and a lack of humility. It can stem from an unwillingness to let go of perceived slights or offenses. The Bible calls believers to emulate Christ's humility and forgiveness, recognizing that all have sinned and are in need of grace (Romans 3:23).

The teachings of Jesus emphasize the importance of reconciliation. In Matthew 5:23-24 , Jesus 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." This underscores the priority of resolving conflicts and letting go of resentment before engaging in worship.

Practical Application

Christians are encouraged to examine their hearts regularly for any signs of resentment and to address these feelings through prayer, reflection, and action. The practice of forgiveness is central to overcoming resentment. By forgiving others, believers can experience freedom from the bondage of bitterness and maintain a clear conscience before God.

Additionally, the community of believers plays a role in supporting one another in overcoming resentment. Through fellowship, accountability, and encouragement, Christians can help each other grow in love and forgiveness, reflecting the unity and peace that Christ desires for His Church.

In summary, resentment is a barrier to spiritual growth and healthy relationships. The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, urging believers to rid themselves of bitterness and embrace the transformative power of God's grace.1. (n.) The act of resenting.

2. (n.) The state of holding something in the mind as a subject of contemplation, or of being inclined to reflect upon something; a state of consciousness; conviction; feeling; impression.

3. (n.) In a good sense, satisfaction; gratitude.

4. (n.) In a bad sense, strong displeasure; anger; hostility provoked by a wrong or injury experienced.

3711. orgilos -- inclined to anger, passionate
... Cognate: 3711 -- to anger and harbor resentment, nurturing anger (prejudice,
bitterness). 3711 ("punitive") occurs only in Tit 1:7. See 3709 (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3711.htm - 6k

Appion's Resentment.
... Homily V. Chapter XXIX."Appion's Resentment. "Then Appion, having heard
from me the truth, with his unreasonable hatred of the ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxix appions resentment.htm

Upon Compassion. Preached the First Sunday in Lent.
... As to the former: this affection may plainly be a restraint upon resentment, envy,
unreasonable self-love; that is, upon all the principles from which men do ...
/.../butler/human nature/sermon vi upon compassion preached.htm

The First Word
... The man who being obviously able to resent an injury, and not lacking in the capacity
of resentment, yet for Christ's sake forgives, exercises on earth no ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beibitz/gloria crucis/ii the first word.htm

Still Another Triplet
... By avenging, the Apostle means a passionate redress of private wrongs at the bidding
of personal resentment. We must note how deep this precept goes. ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/still another triplet 4.htm

But This, as I Said, I do not Mention...
... abandons completely all sense of displeasure? What passes from this act
[4802] to modify his resentment? Or of what service [4803] is ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/8 but this as i.htm

Upon the Government of the Tongue.
... There is in some such a disposition to be talking, that an offence of the slightest
kind, and such as would not raise any other resentment, yet raises, if I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon iv upon the government.htm

Footnotes:
... Thus cruelty, as distinct from envy and resentment, would be exactly the same in
the mind of man as good-will: that one tends to the happiness, the other to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/footnotes .htm

Upon the Love of Our Neighbour.
... Thus, though two men should have the affection of compassion in the same degree
exactly, yet one may have the principle of resentment or of ambition so strong ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon xii upon the love.htm

Woman's Position in the Army
... morally inferior to men. At this suggestion Catherine Mumford felt a strong
native resentment rise within her. Until that hour she ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/iii womans position in the.htm

Formalities of Prayer: Conclusion
... Let him put away all resentment against any real or imagined injurer in proportion
to his desire for God not to bear resentment against himself in turn for his ...
/.../origen/origen on prayer/chapter xx formalities of prayer .htm

Resentment (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Resentment (4 Occurrences). ... (See NIV). Job 5:2 For resentment
kills the foolish man, and jealousy kills the simple. (WEB NIV). ...
/r/resentment.htm - 7k

Forgive (81 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To give up resentment or claim to requital on account of (an offense or
wrong); to remit the penalty of; to pardon; -- said in reference to the act ...
/f/forgive.htm - 33k

Provocation (20 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of inciting anger or resentment. 2. (n.) That which provokes, or
excites anger; the cause of resentment; as, to give provocation. ...
/p/provocation.htm - 15k

Scorn (65 Occurrences)
... Further, this state or reaction is not simple but complex. It includes a sense
of superiority, resentment, and aversion. This reaction ...
/s/scorn.htm - 31k

Zechariah (55 Occurrences)
... he boldly condemned both the king and the people for their rebellion against God
(2 Chronicles 24:20), which so stirred up their resentment against him that at ...
/z/zechariah.htm - 70k

Offensive (15 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Giving offense; causing displeasure or
resentment; displeasing; annoying; as, offensive words. ...
/o/offensive.htm - 11k

Wreak (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vi) To reck; to care. 3. (vt) To revenge; to avenge. 4. (vt) Revenge; vengeance;
furious passion; resentment. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/w/wreak.htm - 6k

Take (11064 Occurrences)
... 17. (vt) To bear without ill humor or resentment; to submit to; to tolerate; to
endure; as, to take a joke; he will take an affront from no man. 18. ...
/t/take.htm - 15k

Tolerable (6 Occurrences)
... Moderately good or agreeable; not contemptible; not very excellent or pleasing,
but such as can be borne or received without disgust, resentment, or opposition ...
/t/tolerable.htm - 8k

Resentful (3 Occurrences)

/r/resentful.htm - 7k

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