Bitterness and resentment result in bad choices creating an unending cycle.

Esau is an example of bitterness.
First, Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew.
(Genesis 25:27-34; Hebrews 12:16)

 Next, Esau was denied his blessing as the firstborn by his deceitful brother, Jacob.
Jacob pretended to be his brother in order to receive the blessing of the firstborn.  When Esau entered the tent to receive his blessing as the firstborn…he learned that blessing had already been given.  It could not be rescinded.  (Genesis 27:30-37).

(NASB) Genesis 27:38 “Esau said to his father, ‘Do you have only one blessing, my father?  Bless me, even me also, O my father.”  So Esau lifted his voice and wept.”

(NASB) Hebrews 12:17 “For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.”

Esau planned revenge by plotting to kill his brother…which did not happen.  Jacob, his brother, was sent away – far away.  When Jacob returned many years later, he brought his huge family and wealth with him.  Esau met the returning Jacob with open acceptance and hostilities were put aside.  (Genesis 33:1-17)

Take it to heart ~

Faith in the Lord Jesus is the reason followers of Christ are not to hold a grudge toward anyone.

(NASB) Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

Let go of grudges – they are poisonous – forgive!