It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:5 ESV)
Rebuke
The wisdom of the world, EVEN what we praise as so-called Common Sense tells us to get even, to withhold forgiveness until earned, and to never forget offenses.
But that wisdom is foolish, Biblically.
It is short-term thinking. It is self-centeredness. It shows a motivation of fear, instead of trust. It denies the power, effect, and wonder of the gospel. It hates instead of loves. It brings death instead of life.
The gospel, wisdom itself, rebukes our grudges. The gospel, wisdom itself, rebukes our lack of forgiveness. The gospel, wisdom itself, rebukes our nurtured hatred.
Whom will we hear?