Choosing Grace Over Grudges
Recognizing how limited our perspective is and choosing mercy over resentment.
It’s easy—almost natural—for us to hold onto a grudge when someone wrongs us. From our fleshly perspective, unforgiveness can feel justified. After all, we were hurt, misunderstood, or disrespected. But God invites us to a higher standard—one rooted not in our feelings, but in His mercy.
Here’s something to consider: how well do we really know the people with whom we’re upset? What if they’re carrying burdens we can’t see—walking through personal struggles, pain, or pressure that shapes their behavior? The truth is, we often don’t see the full picture.
Think about your own life. Have you ever been in such a difficult place—mentally, emotionally, or spiritually—that you responded to someone out of that pain? Maybe you didn’t mean to hurt them, but they walked away wounded, and you didn’t even realize it. It can happen to any of us.
This is why grace and mercy are essential in our relationships. Unforgiveness breaks connections (all relationships). Grace preserves it. Mercy acknowledges that we all fall short—and chooses to love anyway.
Pause and Reflect:
Is there someone I’ve been holding a grudge against?
Could they be struggling in ways I don’t know about?
Have I ever hurt someone unintentionally while I was going through something hard?
How can I show grace and mercy today in a situation where I’d rather stay resentful?
Ask God to help you see others through His eyes—not through the lens of your pain, but through the lens of His love. He extends mercy to us daily. Let’s be willing to extend it to others too.
Meditate On This: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32
This is day 1 of a 7-part devotional series on “Grace in the Grit.”
Grace in the Grit: A 7-Day Devotional Series
Day 1: Choosing Grace Over Grudges Recognizing how limited our perspective is and choosing mercy over resentment | Scripture: Ephesians 4:32
Day 2 Focus: Owning unintentional harm and letting God redeem broken moments.
Day 3 Focus: Learning to see others through God’s eyes.
Day 4 Focus: Healthy boundaries rooted in love and discernment.
Day 5 Focus: Relying on God’s strength when ours runs out.
Day 6: Focus: Letting God’s mercy toward us soften our hearts toward others.
Day 7 Focus: What it looks like to be a consistent reflection of Christ in our relationships.