When you are feeling frustrated, you may want to vent to a impartial party. But this is not what God wants us to do. Sharing frustrations is a biblical practice that God desires us to participate in.
If your friend or coworker does something that frustrates, annoys, or angers you, we are commanded to share it with them.
“Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.”
~Leviticus 19:17
I tend to hold on to my frustrations out of fear of hurting others feelings. But all that does to me is lead me to guilt. It leads me to anger and resentment. It leads me to “hate my brother in my heart.” I am not following God’s command to love my neighbor when I hold my frustrations in.
Related: How My Church Thrived During Covid
I was convicted when I read the verse from Leviticus as I have not been following God’s instruction. His words are meant to guide me to live my best life and live in freedom.
I have been living as a slave to my guilt, fear, shame, and anger. It’s eating me up inside and as a Christian I need to share what’s going on in my heart and seek forgiveness.
This passage of scripture then goes on to say:
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
~Leviticus 19:18
I have been bearing grudges and holding on to things that I just need to communicate out and reconcile so that I can move on and not ruminate on.
How to go about sharing your frustrations.
To clarify, it is not biblical to share frustrations with all your friends to gossip. I am talking about going to the person that you are frustrated with and sharing your feelings. It’s likely that your openness will be received well.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:12-13
Approach them with kindness and humbleness. Don’t accuse them of having done something wrong, instead share what’s going on in your heart. If you’re feeling up for it, share why you think this has caused frustration for you so they can better understand you.
End your conversation by asking for forgiveness for holding a grudge.
Your heart will be full of love instead of resentment. If you practice this frequently, then it will become easier.
