“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 1:19 I watched as the preacher half-filled a glass with water on a table. He then proceeded to lift it, hold it out in his left hand at arm’s length and begin speaking. “In this glass,” he said, “is about 100ml of water. The glass itself is not large or heavy, yet how long do you think I will be able to hold this half-filled glass of water at arm’s length in my left hand?” he asked with a glint in his eye. The audience was silent. One minute went by. “Will I hold it for thirty minutes, ten or less?” His arm began to droop. Gradually after only two and a half minutes the preacher dropped his arm and returned the glass to the table. “So, it is when you hold a grudge in your heart,” he said.
Like others, I know how tiring it is to harbor a feeling of resentment. I was once deeply offended and hurt by a good friend and mentor who falsely accused me of rebellion in the church. For weeks and months, I wrestled with his accusations, weighing every account, every accusation, and every criticism he brought against me, trying to understand what it was he was accusing me of. It was only by God’s grace that I did not find any truth in is accusations. I was vindicated. However, for long afterwards, I held onto the pain of the offence. I had taken the glass in my left hand and held it out at arm’s length.
Sadly, many of us harbor offence like this. Unforgiveness has a dreadful habit of weighing one down to the point of emotional exhaustion. Perhaps this is why Jesus said, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also,” and we read in Romans, “Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.”
If you feel your arm becoming weary as you hold onto that offence, lay it down. Cast your cares on your Lord because he cares for you. Your enemy will not overcome you, for your God is with you and will rescue you.