Holding on to Hurts/Grudges

"If you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come offer your sacrifice to God." Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT)

"Devotion:Yesterday I swept the mahogany dark wood floors in my house. I worked with so much energy it might have looked like I was a clean freak or, at the very least, industrious. I am neither of those things. In fact, I really didn't even notice the dust bunnies flying through the air. I was hurt, trying to sweep away harsh words spoken the day before by a friend."

Have any of you done this. I have. I felt like a fool later. My hubby had learned quickly that if I was upset, our house would get cleaned faster and extra good. :( I've always been sensitive, so cruel words would effect me instantly. Sometimes it was just gossip that I'd over hear.

For instance, while volunteering at the church, a woman was sitting there in the volunteer central room talking of an incident that had happened with my grand daughter and I to another woman. I don't know why, but it really upset me. So instead of confronting her and clearing the situation up, I stormed around, bawled, and embarrassed myself which upset me even more.

Lesson: It doesn't pay to let things fester and boil. It is better to confront the situation.

This piece came from Crosswalks Encouragement for today. It's a great reminder packed full of sensible information on how to care for hurts of the past and present.