PRISONER OF RESENTMENT

TEXT: Psalm 62

AIM

1. To teach that act of resentment damages the heart even more than the offence.
2. To teach that forgiveness is key to all-round healthy living.

INTRODUCTION:

If you have ever harbored resentment toward a person who attacked your character, welcome to the club. We expect people to treat us with a certain amount of basic respect, and when they don’t, it’s quite natural to resent them.

Often attacked by his enemies, David had every excuse to resent others. Instead of doing that, however, he dealt with the situation in a more positive way. Read Psalms62 and learn how to handle resentment.

David was well acquainted with unjust personal attacks (Psalms62:3-4), but he made a conscious effort not to harbor resentments or build up anger. Instead, he expressed his feelings to God and reaffirmed his faith. Through prayer, he released the tension of the emotional stress and handed it over to God. David was confident that the Lord would bring about justice, care for his life, and safeguard his reputation (Psalm. 62:2).Choosing this attitude can change your entire outlook on life. You do not need to be held captive by resentment toward others when they hurt you. Instead, trust in God the Rock, and nothing will be able to shake you.

DISCUSSION

1. From the text, discussion with practical experience how to handle our offenders.
2. Highlight some health benefits of forgiveness.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “Forgiveness is above all a personal choice, a decision of the heart to go against natural instinct to pay back evil with evil.”

MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 5:43-45