They say that elephants have good memories, but they’re not the only ones. Those who have ever been mistreated or wronged, especially by a friend, have some of the longest memories of any creature alive. Grudges are easy to pick up and carry, but they are very difficult to lay aside and forget. However, if we want the blessings of God, we’d better think twice.
Satan caused Job to lose everything he had. When Job needed the love and support of his friends the most, they accused him of egregious sins. At one point, Job told his friends that they were miserable comforters (Job 16:2), and even God became angry with them (Job 42:7). However, Job was not blessed, nor were his losses restored to him (two-fold), until “he prayed for his friends” (Job 42:10). Wow! What a great deal of humility and compassion that required!
If we want the mercy of God, we must extend mercy (Matt. 5:7). If we want the forgiveness of God, we must extend forgiveness (Matt. 6:14-15). Holding grudges can cost you big time!