October 9, 2024 – “A Tooth Ache”

Most of us know what a tooth ache feels like. If you have somehow avoided having one of those, count your blessings. When a tooth aches your mind focuses on one thing, that pain.
Not that long ago I had a severe tooth ache. I don’t like going to dentists, but I really like my dentist. I knew it was time to give him a call. We set a time to come in. He prescribed some antibiotics and something to lesson the pain. He told me I needed to see an oral surgeon and have that painful tooth extracted. If I dislike going to dentists, I dislike going to oral surgeons even more. I knew it would be painful, but once that aching tooth was gone, my pain would be gone in an instant. It was a no brainer, and it all ended as anticipated.
Holding a grudge is like an aching tooth. If I hold on to it, the more it hurts me. God has given us a prescription for getting rid of grudges, confession and forgiveness. Once I heed the advice of my spiritual physician, the pain goes away. It’s amazing how fast God’s cure works.
I had to deal with a grudge this week and once I followed God’s advice, the pain went away. God’s cure works every time. I could say, it was miraculous.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 NIV