The phrase "nursing a grudge" encapsulates how individuals often hold onto their resentments with the same care and attention they give to the things they cherish most. This observation highlights the emotional weight that grudges carry, suggesting that they can become an integral part of one's identity and experience. Just as people nurture their relationships and passions, they can also become tenderly attached to their grievances.

In Marilynne Robinson's "Gilead," this concept is explored through the lens of human relationships and the complexities of forgiveness. The idea that resentments can be as significant as our most beloved emotions invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with anger and forgiveness, prompting a deeper understanding of how grudges can shape our lives and interactions with others.