You know those moments when you turn your back for just a second, and suddenly, chaos (or a missing dinner) ensues? That was my reality recently. I’d set down my dinner, turned to grab something, and in a flash, my new canine companion, Abby, had made herself very, very comfortable with my meal. My delicious, hard-earned dinner, gone in less than sixty seconds!
Now, rationally, I know Abby’s thinking is different than mine. She saw food, she ate it. Simple dog logic. But in that moment? Oh, LORD! My immediate reaction wasn’t sweet understanding. It was a wave of frustration, annoyance, and honestly, a tiny, stubborn grudge. And that’s when it hit me: how easily these small, everyday incidents can expose something deeper within us – like how long we can hold onto something we’d rather let go of.
The Weight of Our “Stolen Dinners”
It might just be a stolen dinner, but think about how often we hold onto bigger “stolen” moments in our lives:
* A harsh word someone said.
* A perceived slight from a friend.
* A disappointment that didn’t go our way.
* A mistake we made that we just can’t seem to forgive ourselves for.
Like a cold plate of leftovers, these grudges and resentments can linger, stealing our peace and weighing us down. We tell ourselves we’ve moved on, but then a little memory, like the thought of a lost dinner, sparks that old annoyance all over again.
What Does God Say About Letting Go?
The good news is, God doesn’t want us carrying around that kind of heavy baggage. His Word offers us freedom from the “grudges” that dim our light:
* Forgiveness as a Command (and a Gift!): Jesus tells us repeatedly to forgive. It’s not just a suggestion, it’s a pathway to our own freedom. “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). This applies to the big hurts and the small ones, even the ones caused by our furry friends! Forgiveness isn’t about excusing the behavior; it’s about releasing ourselves from its grip.
* Letting Go of Bitterness: The Bible is very clear about the danger of holding onto anger and resentment. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32). Bitterness is like a root that can poison our hearts, affecting every area of our lives.
* The Power of Love: Ultimately, letting go is an act of love – for others, and for ourselves. 1 Corinthians 13:5 reminds us that love “keeps no record of wrongs.” Imagine how much lighter we would feel if we truly lived by that principle!
Turning Grudges into Grace
So, how do we shift from holding onto the “stolen dinner” moments to embracing God’s call to let go?
* Acknowledge the Feeling (Without Dwelling): It’s okay to feel annoyed or hurt. Don’t pretend you don’t. But quickly hand that feeling over to God. “Oh, LORD, I’m frustrated about this!”
* Choose Forgiveness (Even for our furry companions): Forgiveness is a choice, not just a feeling. It’s an act of the will. Decide to release the feelings and the incident.
* Remember God’s Grace Towards You: Think about how much God has forgiven you. This memory of His immense grace can empower you to extend grace to others, even when your dinner is eaten!
* Pray for Release: Ask God to help you release the grudge. Sometimes, we need His divine intervention to truly let go of what clings to us.
* Focus on the Present and Future: Once released, intentionally shift your focus to what is good, true, and pure (Philippians 4:8). Don’t replay the “stolen dinner” tape.
My dear sisters in Christ, life is full of little “Abby moments” – unexpected annoyances, small disappointments, or even significant hurts that can tempt us to hold onto resentment. But God calls us to a lighter, freer way. Let’s practice releasing those burdens, remembering the boundless grace and forgiveness He has poured out on us. When we choose to let go, we make more room in our hearts for His peace, His joy, and His purposes.
What’s a small “stolen dinner” moment you’ve recently experienced, and how did you choose to respond?
Dr. Buck / Christian Life Coach /
As God gets bigger in our lives–we get stronger!
Living Life's Way 