The Poison You Choose to Drink
The Poison You Choose to Drink
By Shannon Knight
There’s an old saying: “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” It sounds dramatic—until you’ve lived it.
I’ve seen it in my own life, and I’ve seen it in the lives of the many women I coach. We can be so careful about what we put into our bodies—meticulously taking supplements, blending green juices, counting every nutrient—and yet completely ignore the single most toxic thing we allow into our hearts: resentment.
The Hidden Poison
When someone hurts you deeply, it’s natural to want justice. Sometimes we even want them to feel the weight of what they did. We wait for an apology that never comes. We replay the offense in our minds, thinking it keeps us “prepared” or “protected.”
But here’s the truth: the one who hurt you may be completely unaware. They may not even remember what they did. Meanwhile, you’re the one drinking the poison every single day.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:31–32
Resentment is self-inflicted pain. It doesn’t corrode them—it corrodes you. It’s the enemy’s cruelest trick: making you believe that withholding forgiveness somehow gives you power, when in reality, it keeps you chained to the wound.
My Own Wake-Up Call
I once held on to unforgiveness like it was my armor. I told myself I needed it to stay safe. But over time, I realized it wasn’t protecting me—it was slowly wearing me down.
When I finally chose to forgive, I discovered something I never expected: the relief was immediate. My circumstances didn’t change, and the person who hurt me didn’t apologize, but my heart felt lighter.
Forgiveness didn’t mean what happened was okay. It didn’t erase the pain. But it meant I handed the whole matter over to God and let Him be the one to carry the justice.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God… ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” — Romans 12:19
Why Forgiveness Matters for Your Health
If unforgiveness is undermining your health, what good is it to be juicing the freshest fruits and vegetables every morning, proud of every nutrient you’re giving your body, while your subconscious is still steeped in resentment?
You can fill your glass with the purest greens—but if your heart is holding onto bitterness, you’re still drinking poison on the inside.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” — Proverbs 14:30
The Science Behind It
When we hold onto anger, our bodies respond as though the offense is happening again—every single time we think about it. This isn’t just a feeling; it’s a measurable biological reaction.
- Your brain sounds the alarm. The amygdala triggers a stress response as if there’s a current threat.
- Stress hormones flood your system. Cortisol and adrenaline surge, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
- Your immune system weakens. Chronic cortisol release can suppress immune function, leaving you more vulnerable to illness and slowing recovery.
- Inflammation rises. Prolonged anger is linked with increased inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, associated with arthritis, diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Sleep and digestion suffer. A sustained “fight-or-flight” state disrupts rest and nutrient absorption.
Speaking Peace Instead of Anger
There’s another layer to this—what you speak about your pain matters.
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21
When we constantly rehearse the offense, vent in anger, or keep telling the story with bitterness in our voice, we reinforce the wound instead of releasing it. Speaking peace doesn’t mean denying what happened—it means refusing to let your words breathe new life into an old hurt.
- Instead of: “They ruined everything for me,”
Say: “God is healing me and restoring what was lost.” - Instead of: “I’ll never forgive them,”
Say: “I release them into God’s hands, and I choose peace for my own heart.”
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1
Letting God In
You cannot undo what happened. You cannot make the other person see it the way you do. But you can decide they will no longer control your peace.
Forgiveness is not about them—it’s about freeing yourself. It’s about refusing to let the wound define you, steal your joy, or distance you from God.
So today, if you’ve been holding on to that cup—set it down. Let God take it from your hands. Speak words of peace over your heart. And let Him begin the healing you’ve been longing for.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
Prayer
Jesus, I come to You today with open hands and a weary heart. You see every hurt I’ve carried, every offense I’ve replayed, and every word I’ve spoken in pain. I don’t want to drink this poison anymore. I lay down resentment, bitterness, and the need to hold on to what’s hurting me. Fill my heart with Your peace and my mind with Your truth. Teach me to speak words that heal, not wound. Show me how to release others into Your care, trusting that You are just, and You are good. Thank You for loving me enough to carry what I can’t. Today, I choose freedom. Today, I choose You. Amen.
Contact ShannonShannon
