"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has also forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32
When you hold a grudge, ultimately the one held captive is you. If you release the perceived offender, you find that it is you who is set free.
Ephesians 4 is a great passage to work on this week. Paul calls us to be humble, gentle, patient, and tolerant, as we love one another. There's no room for bitterness, rage, or hatred in our hearts. Instead, Paul tells us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each another, just like Christ is to us.
Logically, the virtues of chapter 4 are best expressed in times of strife. You can only forgive when there has been an offense. Compassion is most visible when there is a hurt. Kindness is most clearly seen when there is a need. Humility shows itself when others are calling for the spotlight. Gentleness rises to the challenge when others want to pick a fight. Patience exists in the presence of trials and struggles.
The virtues are easy to display when everyone is holding hands, saying nice things about each other, and playing well together. Truth is that people fuss, fight, and are hurtful. Let's live in a way that looks like Jesus by living out those Spirit produced virtues in the easy moments and in the difficult ones as well.
I like the way you put this, John. I know angry people who live with their (figurative) fisted hands up, ready to fight. Your words challenge me to be prepared to reach out and shake hands rather than to mirror their stance.