Resentment

“Resentment is like taking poison and hoping the other person dies.” 
― Augustine of Hippo

According to the dictionary, resentment means having bitterness, animosity, and malice. I think in this world it is easy to hold on to resentment; to never forget how someone has hurt you. But we are not allowed to do this.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." Ephesians 4:31

"But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic."
 James 3:14,15

"See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Hebrews 12:15

As the verse above says, your bitterness can "defile many."  When we feel bitter, we talk about it to others. We tell them how this or that person hurt us. We turn others against that person. We bring in disharmony and disrespect.

Forgiveness is so beautiful when put next to bitterness. Forgiveness brings a smile and happiness to others and also to ourselves. Forgiveness is not always easy - but it is always magnificent. 

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” 
― C.S. Lewis