By Pastor Mark Lee

With Halloween right around the corner, many people will view at least one scary movie in the upcoming weeks.  From current releases to old standbys, these terrifying tales have become as much a part of October as trick-or-treating and pumpkin patches.  One fan favorite is The Grudge, a thriller released in 2004.  Described by critics as “a creep-fest that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense,” the film focuses on a curse that consumes its victims.  Sounds aptly named, doesn’t it?

Nearly everyone has been hurt by the action or words or another.  It is not unusual for emotional wounds to leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness, or vengeance.  As a result, we find ourselves avoiding the offenders, rejoicing in their misfortunes, and plotting their demise.  Much like the film of the same name, a grudge is a curse that consumes the victim it has inhabited.

It has been said that harboring feelings of resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.  More often than not, our inability to offer forgiveness is more detrimental to ourselves than to our enemies.  Holding grudges eats away at your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  When we let go of our resentment, we make space in our lives for peace, gratitude, and joy.

In Romans 12:18-19, the apostle Paul wrote, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.  Never take your own revenge, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”  Why entertain a horror story in your own heart when you can hand it over to the Almighty?

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 11 a.m.