Resentment and Ingratitude to Others

< In the Wilderness: Ingratitude vs. being thankful towards others

Christians are to have gratitude, but it is not just gratitude towards God, it is also gratitude towards others. Today we will topically survey what the Bible says both by precept and example, about these sins and rising above them.

1. In Exodus 17:4 the people were almost ready to stone Moses. It is safe to say that their gratitude towards Moses was at an ebb. And these people even saw God use Moses' rod to part the Red Sea! Why were the people ungrateful to Moses?

2. Why are people in general often ungrateful today? What are some reasons that tempt you to be ungrateful to others?

3. Has a boss, co-worker, teacher, policeman, spouse, ex-spouse, ever been unfair to you or done you wrong? How did you feel about this?

4. How can someone being ungrateful to you build your character?

5. Prov 3:11; Job 5:17; Heb 12:5 all say not to resent the Lord's rebuke. Unfortunately a believer can resent the Lord's rebuke. How can we keep from doing so?

6. Who are some godly people in the Bible who were rebuked? How did they respond?

2 Sam 12:1-23 - David and Nathan ________________________________________________

2 Sam 16:5-8 - David and Shimei' _________________________________________________

Mt 16:23 - Peter _______________________________________________________________

Gal 2:11-14 Peter ______________________________________________________________

7. Proverbs 15:12 "A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise." (NIV). How should we respond to rebuke or correction by others?

In the Wilderness: Resentment towards God and others

1. Paul prophesies in 2 Tim 3:2 that there will be terrible times in the last days, and, among other things, people will be disobedient to their parents, ungrateful. Many are resentful against God and resent others too. What actually is being resentful, and how does it spread?

2. What do these verses teach about resentment?

Judges 8:3 ___________________________________________________________________

2 Timothy 2:24 _______________________________________________________________

Job 5:2 ______________________________________________________________________

Job 36:13 ____________________________________________________________________

3. In Num 14:39, how did resentment lead people to do rash things? How can resentment today lead people to be rash?

4. In Num 20:9-13,24-26, how did Moses sin in striking the rock and why was that so serious?

5. In Rom 14:4, Mt 7:1-6, Eph 6:4, what are ways that Christians might, intentionally or unintentionally, be "striking the rock twice" today?

6. Being a great man of God, what are the four different ways Moses responded, instead of being resentful?

a) Deuteronomy 3:23-26 ________________________________

b) Deuteronomy 32:3-4' ________________________________

c) Deuteronomy 32:48-52 _______________________________

d) Deuteronomy 33 _______________________________

7. In Php 2:25-29 and 2 Tim 4:11 what two lessons can we learn (about gratitude and lack of resentment) from Paul?

8. In Num 16:10-40, Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and 250 elders resented Moses' leadership and opposed him. Why do you think they thought in their own mind that that was proper? How did God react to their "censership"?

9. In Num 16:41-50 the Israelites then resented what the Lord had done. How did God deal with that?

10. In 2 Peter 2:10; Jude 8, the phrase "despise authority" could also be translated "resent authority". Why do some people resent authority in general?

12. In Gen 16:4-5, do you think Hagar and Ishmael resented Sarah and Isaac? Why, and what could have been done about it?

13. In 1 Sam 20, Jonathan could have been resentful towards David, but Jonathan handled it very well. In Lev 8:13,18; 10:1-7; and Ex 24:9, when you could feel resentment like Aaron could have (but didn't) what keeps you from being resentful?

14. In Jon 4:1-3, Jonah seemed very resentful towards God. How did things look from Jonah's perspective?

15. In Jon 4:4-11, how did things look from God's perspective?

In the Wilderness: Ingratitude vs. being thankful towards others - some brief answers

(July 23, 2017 version)

A: They were asking, "what could Moses do for us now, forgetting everything God had done through Moses. Sometimes people with ingratitude have short memories. Moses and God were outside their comfort zone, and they probably preferred to stay within their comfort zone.

2. Why are people in general often ungrateful today? What are some reasons that tempt you to be ungrateful to others?

A: Sometimes bosses and others don't value the people who have helped them. But as Christians we should value people regardless of whether they have or can help us or not. Everyone is made in the image of God, and should be treated with respect and dignity for that reason alone.

'' Loo for ways to show your tahnnkfulness to others. But be sincere. Insincere gratitude is a form of flattery, and ultimately comes across as hollow and worse than no gratitude at all.

3. Has a boss, co-worker, teacher, policeman, spouse, ex-spouse, ever been unfair to you or done you wrong? How did you feel about this?

A: &&& On the job, some bosses think not in terms of "what have you done for us", but rather "what can you do for me today".

4. How can someone being ungrateful to you build your character?

A: When someone is ungrateful for what you did for them, you have an opportunity. I am not saying that you deserved this, but regardless, you can ponder have you been ungrateful to others. Luke 6:35 specifically says that God is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked; we should extend that kindness to others.

'' Are you thankful for the people who serve you meals; do you tell them? Are you thankful when people tell you about oncoming cars or other dangers, even when you already see it?

5. Prov 3:11; Job 5:17; Heb 12:5 all say not to resent the Lord's rebuke. Unfortunately a believer can resent the Lord's rebuke. How can we keep from doing so?

A: Be grateful for God's rebuke; it will keep you from going down the wrong path, and guide you to the right one. Remember that God loves those He rebukes as Hebrews 12:5-6 and Proverbs 3:11-12 say.

Choose from one of two lists, what is most important to you: a) your prosperity, significant, security, or influence in work or ministry, or b) your character in pleasing God. See Proverbs 3:13-17.

6. Who are some godly people in the Bible who were rebuked? How did they respond?

2 Sam 12:1-23 - David and Nathan _Rebuke a wise man and he will love you (Proverbs 9:8). David named one of his sons after Nathan in Luke 3:31._

2 Sam 16:5-8 - David and Shimei '_David would not turn away from what could have been a life-giving rebuke (Proverbs 15:31). If you know we are a fool, you don't want to become an even bigger fool: see Proverbs 1:7. Sometime when a person rebukes you they are out of line, but don't write them off too soon._

Mt 16:23 - Peter _Should Peter have "cherished" this rebuke? See Proverbs 25:12. _

Gal 2:11-14 Peter _Peter accepted is. He even praised Paul later in 2 Peter 3:15-16._

Maybe some of us are like Peter, we are more "expert" at getting rebukes from God. But God must love you so much to rebuke you.

7. Proverbs 15:12 "A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise." (NIV). How should we respond to rebuke or correction by others?

A: Do you often thank the person rebuking you?

In the Wilderness: Resentment towards God and others - some brief answers

A: Resentfulness is related to bitterness. It is discontent and self-imposed unhappiness due to not getting what you think you are entitled too, or somebody else getting something that you think you should have gotten instead. This evil attitude of the heart can manifest itself with sibling rivalry, work, organizations, and even friendships and churches.

2. What do these verses teach about resentment?

Jdg 8:3 _The men of Ephraim resented Gideon, of Manasseh, leading them. Gideon saw their resentment and spoke to them to placate them.

2 Tim 2:24 _We must not quarrel. Rather than be resentful, we should be patient when wronged. We need to know when to stand for the truth, defend others against error, and when it is not worth it, just to walk away.

Job 5:2 _Resentment [vexation] and anger can kill a fool. Of course it can kill a victim of murder, but it slowly kills the person who has the resentment and anger too.

Job 36:13 _The godless store up their anger in their hearts. We should not hold grudges (1 Corinthian 13:5; Ephesians 4:26)

3. In Num 14:39, how did resentment lead people to do rash things? How can resentment today lead people to be rash?

A: After the people believed the report of the ten spies, and not Joshua and Caleb, they were told they would die in the wilderness. The people mourned bitterly in Numbers 14:39. Between the threat of hunger, the poisonous snakes, the hostile Amalekites, and the monotony, life in the wilderness was not easy. They left their settled houses in Egypt to travel (not wander) in the wilderness to the Promised land. Being in the wilderness might be better than being a slave, but it is not as good as having their own land and fields. They were not sent into the wilderness because of their disobedience; they were sent because it was necessary to travel through to get to the promised land. But they would remain and die in the wilderness because of their disobedience. What should have been a short-term difficult path to reach their destination now instead became their destination.

'' So they went up to attack the Amalekites anyway in Numbers 15:41-45, without God's help, and they were defeated and driven back.

4. In Num 20:9-13,24-26, how did Moses sin in striking the rock and why was that so serious?

A: In Numbers 20:9 Moses started off good, obeying God's commands. Then in Numbers 20:10 Moses spoke down to the people "Listen now, you rebels". Moses was cocky, knowing that the miracle would occur. Moses struck the rock twice, showing his power, when Moses only needed to trust God and God's power. Numbers 20:12 the LORD said Moses did not treat Him as holy in the sight of the Israelites.

5. In Rom 14:4, Mt 7:1-6, Eph 6:4, what are ways that Christians might, intentionally or unintentionally, be "striking the rock twice" today?

A: Even when serving God, not holding God in esteem publicly. Also not valuing the people God is having you lead. Lead harshly. Not value the people. Empty head

6. Being a great man of God, what are the four different ways Moses responded, instead of being resentful?

a) Dt 3:23-26 ________________________________

b) Dt 32:3-4' ________________________________

c) Dt 32:48-52 _______________________________

d) Dt 33 _______________________________

7. In Php 2:25-29 and 2 Tim 4:11 what two lessons can we learn (about gratitude and lack of resentment) from Paul?

A: &&&

9. In Num 16:41-50 the Israelites then resented what the Lord had done. How did God deal with that?

10. In 2 Peter 2:10; Jude 8, the phrase "despise authority" could also be translated "resent authority". Why do some people resent authority in general?

12. In Gen 16:4-5, do you think Hagar and Ishmael resented Sarah and Isaac? Why, and what could have been done about it?

A: &&&

14. In Jon 4:1-3, Jonah seemed very resentful towards God. How did things look from Jonah's perspective?

15. In Jon 4:4-11, how did things look from God's perspective?

Food for Thought

Numbers 21:5-8 bronze snake

Despise

2 Sam 19:43

Ephesian silversmiths Acts 19:27

An example of ingratitude and taking advantage of others in a popular children's book

The Giving Tree By Shel Silverstein Once there was a tree.... and she loved a little boy. And everyday the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples. And they would play hide-and-go-seek. And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade. And the boy loved the tree.... very much. And the tree was happy. But time went by. And the boy grew older. And the tree was often alone. Then one day the boy came to the tree and the tree said, "Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and eat apples and play in my shade and be happy." "I am too big to climb and play" said the boy. "I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money?" "I'm sorry," said the tree, "but I have no money. I have only leaves and apples. Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy." And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away. And the tree was happy. But the boy stayed away for a long time.... and the tree was sad. And then one day the boy came back and the tree shook with joy and she said, "Come, Boy, climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and be happy." "I am too busy to climb trees," said the boy. "I want a house to keep me warm," he said. "I want a wife and I want children, and so I need a house. Can you give me a house ?" " I have no house," said the tree. "The forest is my house, but you may cut off my branches and build a house. Then you will be happy." And so the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house. And the tree was happy. But the boy stayed away for a long time. And when he came back, the tree was so happy she could hardly speak. "Come, Boy," she whispered, "come and play." "I am too old and sad to play," said the boy. "I want a boat that will take me far away from here. Can you give me a boat?" "Cut down my trunk and make a boat," said the tree. "Then you can sail away... and be happy." And so the boy cut down her trunk and made a boat and sailed away. And the tree was happy ... but not really. And after a long time the boy came back again. "I am sorry, Boy," said the tree," but I have nothing left to give you - My apples are gone." "My teeth are too weak for apples," said the boy. "My branches are gone," said the tree. " You cannot swing on them - " "I am too old to swing on branches," said the boy. "My trunk is gone, " said the tree. "You cannot climb - " "I am too tired to climb" said the boy. "I am sorry," sighed the tree. "I wish that I could give you something.... but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump. I am sorry...." "I don't need very much now," said the boy. "just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired." "Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did. And the tree was happy

How did Aaron get his position?

How did he act subsequently with Moses' marriage (Numbers 12), and the golden calf (Exodus 32)

Censer

Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:18-21)

http://www.addeigloriam.org/stories/morrison.htm 7/30/2017

This is the story of Henry [C.] Morrison's return to the states [in 1909] after several decades of missionary work in [Uganda in] Africa. Opinions vary as to the exact words of the conversations which took place in this incident, so I have written what I think captures the essence of this true story.

After forty years of faithful service to the Lord as a missionary to Africa, Henry Morrison and his wife were returning to New York. As the ship neared the dock, Henry said to his wife, "Look at that crowd. They haven't forgotten about us". However, unknown to Henry, the ship also carried President Teddy Roosevelt, returning from a big game hunting trip in Africa. Roosevelt stepped from the boat, with great fanfare, as people were cheering, flags were waving, bands were playing, and reporters waiting for his comment, Henry and his wife slowly walked away unnoticed. They hailed a cab, which took them to the one bedroom apartment which had been provided by the mission board.

Over the next few weeks, Henry tried, but failed to put the incident behind him. He was sinking deeper into depression when one evening, he said to his wife, "This is all wrong. This man comes back from a hunting trip and everybody throws a big party. We give our lives in faithful service to God for all these many years, but no one seems to care."

His wife cautioned him that he should not feel this way. Henry replied "I know you're right, but I just can't help it. It just isn't right."

His wife then said, "Henry, you know God doesn't mind if we honestly question Him. You need to tell this to the Lord and get this settled now. You'll be useless in His ministry until you do."

Henry Morrison then went to his bedroom, got down on his knees and, shades of Habakkuk, began pouring out his heart to the Lord. "Lord, you know our situation and what's troubling me. We gladly served you faithfully for years without complaining. But now God, I just can't get this incident out of my mind..."

After about ten minutes of fervent prayer, Henry returned to the living room with a peaceful look on his face. His wife said "It looks like you've resolved the matter. What happened?"

Henry replied, "The Lord settled it for me. I told Him how bitter I was that the President received this tremendous homecoming, but no one even met us as we returned home. When I finished, it seemed as though the Lord put His hand on my shoulder and simply said, 'But Henry, you are not home yet!'"

Comment:

I have to believe that when Henry Morrison finally went home, the celebration dwarfed the welcoming received by Teddy Roosevelt on the docks. I can just image thousands upon thousands of Africans, who he had reached for Christ, standing at the Gates of Heaven, applauding and welcoming Henry home.

One by one they came
Far as the eye could see.
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity.
Little things that you had done,
Sacrifices made,
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven, now proclaimed.

And I know up in heaven
You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes.
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord.
He said, "My child, look around you.
Great is your reward."

Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.

(Ray Boltz - Thank You, 1995)

...as it is written:

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Cor 2:9)

by Steven M. Morrison, PhD.