Have you ever thought about how much energy it takes to be bitter or to hold a grudge? We have only a certain amount of energy for each day, and if we use it for the wrong purpose, if we focus on the negative or dwell on whoever hurt us, then we're not going to have the energy we need for the right purposes. We're not going to be able to make the best decisions or be as creative as we need to be. We're not only doing ourselves a disservice, but we're doing our family and friends a disservice, too.
As much as you may want to, you can't control what other people say or do; you can only control yourself. If you focus on the actions of others and allow them to constantly upset you, then you are handing your peace over to them and giving away your power. The scripture says, "Don't let the sun go down while you are angry." The reason many people don't have joy or enthusiasm is because they go to bed every night with anger and unforgiveness weighing them down. When you go to bed angry, with a cluttered mind and focused on the negative, you wake up with the same negative emotions. And on top of that, you probably won't sleep very well either!
If you want to enjoy your life and live it to the fullest, don't let the sun go down on your anger. Keep peace in your home, keep joy in your home, keep the connections strong, and don't give away your power!
"And 'don't sin by letting anger control you.' Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry." (Ephesians 4:26, NLT)