HAROLD KELLER

Resentment can poison anyone’s life

“Yes, I have a resentment and it’s directed toward the Japanese people.” This statement was made by Mr. Tom Zeringue at a 5:30 a.m. men’s Bible sharing group. The subject that morning was getting rid of any hatred or resentment that we might be harboring. As Mr. Tom spoke, you could feel the hurt in his heart. “I’ve tried to get rid of my feelings of hatred, but it’s been hard,” he said. He then explained why he was carrying such a heavy burden. He shared that he served in the Second World War as a Marine. In 1944 he was sent to Saipan, Mariana Islands. He was a crewman on the Amphibian Armored Tank. He recalled that on his arrival in Saipan, one of his first experiences was to see a fellow Marine, who had been captured by the Japs, tied to a cross in a graveyard. He had been tortured. The dead Marine had his fingernails pulled out and his tongue cut out, and other means of torture were evident, too gruesome to mention. “I’ve tried to forgive them for many years,” he said. All the men at the meeting thought their resentments were pretty serious until Mr. Tom spoke. Someone shared with him that as long as he had a desire to forgive, God would make a way. After the meeting, Danny Louque said, “Let’s gather around Mr. Tom and pray for God to release him of his unforgiveness.” I, personally, think that nothing pleases God more than a group of men gathered together and praying for a hurting soul. The next week, Mr. Tom opened the meeting with this: “I have to tell you all something. Your prayers worked. This week, I went to a shopping center and was looking for a TV and for the first time in years, I didn’t get angry because it was made in Japan.” He smiled and continued, “To top that, when my wife and I went back to our car, two Toyotas were parked next to me. I laughed to myself. I feel good!” What a testimony! I’ve heard it said that forgiveness is surrendering your right to hurt someone for hurting you. May I share this quote by William Arthur Ward, from “Thoughts of a Christian Optimist:” “We are most like beasts when we kill. We are most like men when we judge. We are most like God when we forgive.” I have known Mr. Tom for many years – a real gentleman, a good family role-model who has produced good fruit. His children and grandchildren are a credit to their communities. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group.