I want to talk about a feeling that I think most of us, if not all of us have had at one time, that is a feeling of resentment. What is resentment?  The standard definition is that it is a feeling we get when we feel we have been treated unfairly, we’ve been wronged, insulted, or something has made us indignant.  Many times, I’ve thought to myself, ‘hey, I resent that’, I don’t like what was said or done.  If you’ve never had that feeling well, ok, good for you, I hope you never feel it.  For the rest of us though, I thought I’d take a look a resentment.
What causes resentment? Is there any danger in feeling resentful?  How can I handle my feelings of resentment, and is there a way to avoid feeling resentful in the future?
 What causes resentment?
When we disagree over how someone should behave, that is, a person doesn’t behave like we think they should.  2 Samuel 6:16 “Then it happened as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.”  We can see a lot of that going on in today’s society, especially when it comes to politics.  Man if we don’t agree with another person’s viewpoint about a candidate or issues, you can cut the tension in the air with a knife.  I’ve had friends actually stop talking to me because I didn’t agree with them on issues.  Makes me wonder whatever happened to allowing others to have their own opinion and accepting them regardless.
Feeling left out, also causes jealousy. Luke 15:27-30, “And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’  But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him.  But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends;  but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’
Is there any danger in feeling resentful?
It’s self-destructive, Proverbs 27:3, “A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them.”
Job 5:2, “For anger slays the foolish man, And jealousy kills the simple.”
 How can I handle my feelings of resentment?
Let it go. Chris LeDoux, There’s a five dollar fine for whining
James 5:9, “Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15, “See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.”
Mark 11:25, “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.”
Is there a way to avoid feeling resentful in the future?
Pray for a transformation Matthew 5:43-46, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”
Remember not dealing with our feelings of resentment can cause serious issues for us, mentally, spiritually, and physically.  Take a deep breath and let things go.  God loves you, peace y’all