Holding onto grudges can weigh us down, but what does the Bible say about it? The Bible encourages forgiveness and letting go of past hurts, reminding us of the freedom that comes with a forgiving heart. Understanding these teachings can help you release grudges and experience the peace that comes from forgiveness.
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What Does The Bible Say About holding grudges
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and shows that holding grudges is not aligned with God’s will. By forgiving others, we open ourselves to receiving God’s forgiveness.
By refusing to forgive, we hinder our own spiritual growth and create a barrier between ourselves and God’s forgiveness. Letting go of grudges allows us to experience the freedom and peace that comes from forgiveness.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This verse encourages us to be patient with others and to forgive them, just as the Lord has forgiven us. Holding grudges goes against the command to bear with one another and shows a lack of understanding of the forgiveness we have received from God.
Forgiveness is a choice we make, releasing the bitterness and resentment that can consume us when we hold onto grudges. Choosing to forgive reflects the love and mercy of Christ in our lives.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse urges us to let go of negative emotions, including holding grudges, and instead, show kindness and compassion to one another. The act of forgiveness is an extension of the forgiveness we have received from God through Christ.
Holding onto grudges not only damages our relationships with others but also hinders our spiritual growth and prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love and forgiveness.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of holding grudges and the power of love to overcome conflict. Choosing to hold onto grudges creates a breeding ground for hostility and division.
Love, on the other hand, seeks to reconcile and cover over wrongs, fostering unity and restoring broken relationships. Rather than holding grudges, let us choose to respond with love and seek reconciliation.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This verse challenges us to love our enemies and pray for those who have wronged us, highlighting the importance of releasing grudges and choosing forgiveness.
Holding grudges only perpetuates the cycle of hatred and harm, but by loving our enemies and praying for them, we can break that cycle and demonstrate the transformative power of forgiveness.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of love in relationships and highlights how love can overcome the need to hold grudges. Instead of dwelling on past wrongs, let us choose to love one another deeply, extending grace and covering over the sins of others.
Love enables us to let go of grudges and fosters an environment of healing and restoration, bringing about God’s peace and unity among believers.
Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
In this verse, Jesus challenges us to love even our enemies and respond to their hatred with kindness and prayer. Holding grudges is contrary to this teaching, as it perpetuates negativity and animosity.
By choosing to love, do good, bless, and pray for those who mistreat us, we break free from the cycle of holding grudges and allow God’s transformative power to work in our relationships.
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
This conversation between Peter and Jesus emphasizes the limitless nature of forgiveness. Rather than holding grudges and setting a limit to our forgiveness, we are called to extend forgiveness generously and unconditionally.
As recipients of God’s abundant forgiveness, we should imitate His character by letting go of grudges and offering forgiveness to others again and again.
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between forgiving others and receiving forgiveness from God. Holding grudges prevents us from fully experiencing God’s forgiveness and hinders our relationship with Him.
Therefore, when we pray, we should examine our hearts and forgive those who have wronged us, allowing God’s forgiveness to flow through us and bring healing to our relationships.
Romans 12:17-18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse encourages us to respond to others’ wrongs with righteousness and to seek peace in our relationships. Holding grudges and seeking revenge only perpetuates conflict and hinders our ability to live at peace with others.
Instead, let us choose to do what is right and strive for peace, releasing grudges and embracing reconciliation as a reflection of God’s love and grace in our lives.
Psalm 103:10-12
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
This passage reminds us of the immeasurable love and forgiveness that God extends towards us. Holding grudges goes against the example set by God, who forgives us unconditionally.
Just as our sins are removed from us, we should release grudges and extend forgiveness freely, imitating the forgiveness that we have received from our Heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking reconciliation and resolving conflicts before offering our worship to God. Holding grudges hinders our ability to fully engage in worship and maintain healthy relationships with others.
As followers of Christ, we should prioritize reconciliation, letting go of grudges, and seeking mended relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of love and covering over offenses rather than continually dwelling on them or spreading them to others. Holding grudges only serves to drive a wedge between close friends and fosters a spirit of division.
Instead, let us choose to foster love, granting grace and forgiveness, and seeking to restore and strengthen our friendships rather than tearing them apart with grudges.
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
Even in His crucifixion, Jesus demonstrated forgiveness towards those who wronged Him. Holding grudges goes against the example set by Christ, who forgave His persecutors in the midst of excruciating pain and suffering.
Let us follow in the footsteps of Jesus, releasing grudges and forgiving others, reflecting His love and grace in every aspect of our lives.
Hebrews 12:14-15
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
This passage encourages us to prioritize peace and holiness in our relationships. Holding grudges not only disrupts our peace but can also lead to a root of bitterness that defiles and damages many.
Therefore, let us strive to live in peace, rooting out any bitterness and choosing forgiveness and reconciliation instead of holding onto grudges.
Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
This verse reminds us to refrain from seeking revenge and instead trust in God’s justice. Holding grudges often leads to a desire for revenge, but we are called to leave room for God to repay and trust that His judgment is righteous.
Let us release the need for retaliation and choose forgiveness, knowing that God will ultimately bring justice and reconciliation in His perfect timing.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
This verse teaches us the importance of addressing conflicts and grievances in a direct and loving manner. Holding grudges is counterproductive and only deepens the divide between individuals.
By following the instructions given in this verse, we can foster understanding, reconciliation, and the opportunity to let go of grudges in a spirit of humility and grace.
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
This verse encourages us to confess our sins and seek forgiveness from one another. Holding grudges prevents us from experiencing the healing that comes from the confession and forgiveness process.
In humility, let us confess our faults, release grudges, and engage in prayer for one another, knowing that the prayers of the righteous have power and bring about reconciliation and restoration.
Matthew 18:21-35
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. ‘At this the servant fell on his knees before him. “Be patient with me,’ he begged, “and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. ‘But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. “Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. ‘His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, “Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. ‘Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger, his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. ‘This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’”
This parable taught by Jesus highlights the seriousness of holding grudges and the importance of forgiving others. Just as the servant in the parable was forgiven a massive debt, we are called to extend the same forgiveness to those who have wronged us.
Holding onto grudges not only defies the principles of forgiveness but also puts us in danger of receiving judgment and punishment from God. Let us heed Jesus’ warning and choose forgiveness from the heart.
Romans 14:10-13
“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
This passage reminds us of our accountability to God and encourages us to refrain from judging or treating others with contempt. Holding grudges often involves passing judgment on others and can become a stumbling block to reconciliation and growth.
Instead, let us focus on our own accountability before God and strive to remove obstacles that hinder unity and love among believers.
Mark 11:25-26
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your sins.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between forgiveness and the forgiveness we receive from God. Holding grudges inhibits our ability to receive God’s forgiveness and prevents us from experiencing true freedom.
Therefore, let us choose to forgive others, releasing grudges, and opening ourselves to the grace and forgiveness that God extends to us.
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of restoration and confronting sin in a loving and gentle manner. Holding grudges prevents us from engaging in the restoration process and hinders our ability to extend mercy.
Instead, let us confront sin with gentleness and seek restoration, recognizing that we too are prone to temptation and in need of God’s grace.
Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”
This verse warns against passing judgment on others, as in doing so, we set a standard by which we ourselves will be judged. Holding grudges often involves judgment and prevents us from extending forgiveness and grace.
Therefore, let us refrain from judging others, release grudges, and offer forgiveness, knowing that we too are in need of God’s forgiveness and mercy.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
This well-known passage describes the qualities of love, emphasizing that love keeps no record of wrongs. Holding grudges directly contradicts the nature of love described here.
Instead, let us choose to love, practicing patience, kindness, and forgiveness, knowing that love is essential in healing relationships and fostering unity.