How long?

How long do we hold on to anger and bitterness in our lives? At one point do we choose to let go?

Abner had killed Joab’s brother Asahel, and it seemed Joab and his other brother Abishai were determined to avenge Asahel’s death.

But in their pursuit of Abner, others were dying as well.

And so at sunset with Joab showing no signs of stopping his pursuit, Abner spoke out:

Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers? (2 Samuel 2:26)

As we’ll see, Joab was a very violent man. (So was Abishai, for that matter).

But on this day, he saw the wisdom of Abner’s words and he stopped his pursuit.

What hurts are you holding on to? Who are you refusing to forgive? Who are you constantly sniping at?

Let us listen to the words of our Lord.

“Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize this will only end in bitterness? Let go of your anger. Put your pain in my hands. And let me heal you.”