Ephesians 4:27
“and do not give the devil an opportunity.”
Holding on to anger gives the devil an opportunity. An opportunity to wreck us and those around us. Hebrews 12:5 says, "observing lest any be failing of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up should trouble you and by this, the many might be defiled." The writer warns of what happens when we withhold forgiveness. It sows seeds of bitterness, that can spring up as a plant bearing bitter fruit. Others partake of it and become bitter as well. They become defiled or unclean.
The previous verse in Hebrews says, "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." The one who isn't pursuing peace is falling short of God grace. They are sowing seeds of bitterness. We fall short of God's grace when we disobey Him. We may be His child, but would be in disobedience. Like the prodigal son, He was still a son, but was outside of his fathers will. He spent his wealth on wild living.
To disobey God brings misery. We have a right to disobey. God respects that right. He will attempt to persuade us to let it go, but He won't violate it. I think of Jacob wrestling with God. He had been doing that his whole life. He wrestled with Esau in the womb. He wrestled with Laban for over ten years. It took a dislocated hip to get his attention.
When we live at the border of God's will and the world, we get beat up. We are close to the evil one and the world, but still with God. Both forces are fighting for us. It's like there is a tug of war over us. Like the "no man's land" in battle, we are in a dangerous place. We give the devil an opportunity when we are on the fringe.
The context is forgiveness and holding onto anger. Let it go. We may need to ask God for help. I appreciate the man's comment in Luke 9:24, 'Immediately the father of the child, having cried out, was saying, "I believe; help my unbelief."' We may want to forgive, but are having trouble. Ask the Lord. He specializes in this.
Matthew 11:28-30 gives us great news from Jesus. “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” Don't stay at a distance, go to Jesus. Lay down the burden. Ask for help, not to pick it up again.
Thank You, Lord, for helping us. Let us come to You and leave the burdens behind.