Grudges lead only to...

I am blown away at the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-50.  Here is a guy that is almost killed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, wrongly thrown into prison, forgotten about in prison, etc.  These are the not so "highlights" of Joseph's journey.  All this stemming from his brothers selling him  into slavery.  

Joseph had many years to choose not to forgive, many silent moments that he had to build a huge grudge. Knowing how Satan accuses and wants to bring division this was for sure a constant battle not only in the physical suffrage but also the spiritual.

And when Joseph finally had the chance for revenge, to get even with his brothers, what exactly did he do?  Check it out:

“I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!  And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.... But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have.  I will provide for you there,"

When we choose to forgive, grudges are destroyed.  Forgiveness allows us to live within the fullness of the life Christ has called us to.  It also allows us the power to love and serve those that hurt us.  Live in the freedom of forgiveness.  Ignore the words of the satan, the accuser.  He and others will tell you that you deserve to hold a grudge, that you are right, that you should not forgive!

But truly if we are to be followers of Christ, grudges and unforgiveness has no place in our journey.  Remember the words of our Jesus has he was dying upon "our cross"...

"Father forgive them for they know not what they do!"