THE CONSEQUENCES OF BEING OFFENDED AND RESENTFUL
Conflicts should be resolved. We cannot hold on to them in our hearts because then we become full of bitterness and resentment, as it happened to Absalom. Even though he had valid reasons for being offended, his big mistake was not saying anything and keeping it all to himself.
Absalom didn’t know how to handle the concepts of healthy relationships and accountability. He was simply fussy, introverted, and resentful.
Let’s look at everything his immaturity caused:
1. He got offended. Verse 22
2. He killed his brother. Verse 28
3. Vengeful, he didn’t forget. Verse 32
4. He fled. Verses 37,38
5. Handsome but resentful, he burned Joab’s fields down. (2 Samuel 14:25-32)
6. Divising, and he stole hearts. (2 Samuel 15:1-6)
7. He caused a great deal of pain in his father. David did not hold on to the throne and ran crying. (2 Sam. 15:25-30)
8. Out of control. He humiliated his concubines and his father. (2 Sam. 16:22)
9. Those who are offended reproduce themselves. Ahithophel became offended and hung himself. (2 Sam. 17:23)
10. He died. How do those who are offended die?
- They die by hanging, and they hang God’s dreams. (2 Sam 18:9-14)
- “Suspended” between heaven and earth. Those who are offended lose everything. They don’t even reach the purpose God has for their lives and lose their respect and reputation amongst men on earth.
- The “donkeys” pass and Absaloms die. Sometimes, the Absaloms of the world try to be intelligent and deceitful and they don’t achieve anything. But those who had no skill are placed in prominent places. (2 Samuel 18:9)
Think about it:
Have you felt resentful with someone and have kept it in? Are you part of those that quickly fix their conflicts or simply hold everything in?
Do you think you would have healthier relationships and live more happily if you quickly fixed any misunderstanding you may have had biblically and with respect?