#18 of "30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself"

#18 - Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart.  You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate.  Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.”  It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.”  Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself!  And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too.  If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.

Hate is such a harsh word! I can honestly say I very rarely use it. Or feel that way towards anyone. That was a lesson well learned when I was younger. My parents caught me and some other girls leaving a letter in the mailbox of a girl down the street that none of us ever played with. Of course it was a HORRIBLE letter written by the most evil people KIDS!!! In the letter we wrote more than once "We hate you!" My parents decided the best punishment for me was to be grounded for two weeks but with a twist. During the two weeks I had to EVERYDAY play with the girl down the street we wrote the letter to, and ONLY her. By the end of the two weeks she wasn't that bad. From then on she was invited to come play with all of us kids.

I've had my share of people in my life I could use that word towards! But really is it worth it!? It takes just as much energy to hate a person as it does to forgive them. And the hatred and/or grudge you hold just eats away at you. It has little or no affect on them. Get over it! Move on! You are better than that... You are STRONG!!! If they are taking the time to talk about you, then in reality isn't you that they are envious of? Hhmmmm... food for thought.

Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.