Don't Hold Grudges

TITLE: Throw It Out
SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 19:16-18; Romans 12:17-21
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"Let's go to the sidewalk sale, Mom," suggested Patty.
"All right." Mom smiled. "But we've got to get this kitchen cleaned up first, including the refrigerator."
"Okay," agreed Patty. "I'll start there."
Mom nodded, and they worked several minutes in silence. Then Mom asked, "Would you like to invite Melissa to go shopping with us?"
"No," Patty answered shortly as she unloaded the refrigerator shelves.
"No?" Mom looked surprised. "Why not?"
"She's probably with Amy today." Patty frowned. "Melissa is Amy's friend now."
"Can't Melissa have more than one friend?" Mom asked. "You could invite Amy, too."
"No!" snapped Patty. "Melissa knows I can't stand Amy. Last year Amy said some nasty things about me, and she . . . Phew! What do I smell?" Patty made a face.
Mom grimaced. "You must have uncovered something that's spoiled," she said.
Patty held up a bowl. "It's this old tuna casserole. Phewe-e-e!" She held her nose.
"Quick!" said Mom. "Let's get rid of it!"
Soon the casserole was disposed of, and the kitchen was sprayed with air freshener. "I guess we should clean out the 'fridge more often. Food smells really bad when it gets too old," observed Patty.
"Yes, it does," agreed Mom. A moment later, she added, "Certain attitudes do, too. Sometimes we keep old things in our hearts until they spoil." Patty sighed. She had a pretty good idea what was coming. "For almost a year now, you've been carrying a grudge against Amy," continued Mom. "Frankly, that grudge is beginning to stink."
"But, Mom," began Patty, "she said . . ."
"I know-you've told me," said Mom. "You've said some pretty nasty things about her, too, honey." Patty gulped. She hadn't thought of that. "Don't you think it's time to throw that grudge out?" Mom asked gently.
Patty took a deep breath. A few minutes later, she dried her hands and went to the telephone. Mom smiled as she heard Patty say, "Amy, would you like to go shopping with me and my mom today? I'm going to ask Melissa, too."
MEMORY VERSE: Do not grumble against one another. James 5:9
HOW ABOUT YOU? What kind of attitudes do you have? Are you still grumbling about something that happened quite a while ago? Are you carrying a grudge against someone who offended you? Ask God to help you get rid of it today. Ask Him to give you a sweet and forgiving spirit with which to start the coming year.
THE KEY: Don't hold grudges