Holding grudges can weigh heavily on us. What wisdom does the Bible offer on this? We’ll examine verses that speak to the importance of forgiveness and letting go of grudges, showing a path to peace and reconciliation.
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Bible Verses 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 in the life of a Christian. Holding grudges and refusing to forgive others not only hinders our relationship with others, but it also hinders our relationship with God. God desires that we extend the same mercy and forgiveness to others that He has extended to us.
By choosing to let go of grudges and forgive, we open ourselves up to receive the forgiveness and grace of God. Forgiveness is a powerful act of love that brings healing and reconciliation, both in our relationships with others and in our relationship with God.
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.”
Similar to the previous verse, this passage emphasizes forgiveness as an essential aspect of Christian living. We are called to bear with one another and to extend forgiveness freely, just as God has forgiven us. Holding grudges only leads to division and bitterness, but forgiveness brings unity and healing.
When we forgive others, we reflect the love and grace of God, demonstrating the transformative power of His forgiveness in our own lives. Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God’s command and a powerful testimony of His work in our hearts.
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 reminds us to let go of negative emotions and attitudes that can lead to holding grudges. Instead, we are called to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards one another. Just as God has shown us mercy and forgiveness through Christ, we are called to extend the same grace to others.
Holding grudges not only damages our relationships but also hinders our witness as Christians. By choosing to let go of bitterness and extending forgiveness, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ’s love in our lives and become instruments of reconciliation and healing.
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.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches the importance of forgiveness in the context of prayer. He instructs us that if we hold anything against anyone, we are to forgive them in order to receive forgiveness from our Heavenly Father. Forgiveness is a necessary disposition for effective prayer.
By choosing to forgive those who have wronged us, we align ourselves with the heart of God and open ourselves up to receive His abundant grace and mercy. Holding grudges can hinder our prayers and prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings and guidance.
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
This verse emphasizes the principles of non-judgment and forgiveness. Jesus teaches that if we want to receive forgiveness, we must first be willing to extend forgiveness to others. Holding grudges and condemning others prevent us from experiencing the freedom and grace that come from forgiveness.
By choosing to forgive instead of judging or condemning, we demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ to those around us. Through forgiveness, we break the cycle of offense and pain, allowing for healing, restoration, and ultimately, reconciliation.
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.”
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and resolving conflicts before coming to God in worship. Holding grudges and unresolved conflicts hinder our worship and fellowship with God.
God desires that we seek reconciliation and forgive one another so that our hearts may be aligned with His. By actively pursuing peace and forgiveness, we create an environment of harmony and unity within the body of Christ, reflecting God’s love and grace to the world.
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 not to seek vengeance or hold grudges against those who have wronged us. Instead, we are called to trust in God’s justice and allow Him to deal with the situation according to His perfect wisdom and timing.
Choosing forgiveness over revenge allows us to release the burden of anger and resentment and place it in the hands of God. It is an act of surrender and trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He will ultimately bring about justice and restore what has been lost.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
This verse highlights the wisdom of overlooking offenses and choosing not to hold grudges. Instead of dwelling on the wrongs done to us, we are encouraged to exhibit patience and extend grace, allowing love to cover a multitude of offenses.
By choosing to overlook offenses, we demonstrate humility and a willingness to let go of personal rights for the sake of maintaining peace and harmony. It is a reflection of the wisdom of God, who is patient and forgiving towards us despite our shortcomings.
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.’
In this passage, Jesus teaches the disciples about the limitless nature of forgiveness. He emphasizes that forgiveness is not something to be limited or counted, but a continuous act of grace and mercy.
By forgiving others repeatedly and unconditionally, we reflect the character of Christ, who is always ready to forgive us. Holding grudges and setting limits on forgiveness hinder our ability to experience the fullness of God’s forgiveness and love in our own lives.
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
This verse reminds us of the principle of reaping what we sow. If we choose to hold grudges and harbor bitterness, we can expect the same negativity and strife to be reflected back to us.
By choosing forgiveness instead, we sow seeds of love, peace, and reconciliation. Forgiveness breaks the cycle of hurt and allows for healing and restoration to take place. It opens us up to the blessings and favor of God, who rewards those who choose forgiveness over grudges.
Hebrews 12:15
“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 verse warns against the danger of allowing bitterness and grudges to take root in our hearts. Such negative emotions can cause trouble and defile not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us.
Choosing forgiveness and letting go of grudges is essential for maintaining the grace of God in our lives. We are called to guard our hearts against bitterness, actively seeking healing, and reconciliation in order to reflect the light and love of Christ to the world.
1 Corinthians 13:5
“Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
This verse from the famous “love chapter” speaks directly about the nature of love. Love does not hold grudges or keep a record of wrongs but chooses to let go and forgive.
When we love others with the love of Christ, we imitate His example of forgiveness and grace. Love calls us to release our grievances and extend mercy, even when it is difficult. It is through love that we can break the cycle of grudges and promote healing and reconciliation.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
This passage reminds us of the importance of controlling our anger and being slow to become angry. Holding grudges often stems from unresolved anger and a lack of effective communication.
By choosing to listen attentively, speak with wisdom and grace, and manage our anger, we can prevent grudges from taking hold in our hearts. Instead, we can seek peaceful resolutions and forgiveness, aligning ourselves with God’s desire for righteousness.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
In this verse, Peter reminds us of the power of love in covering a multitude of sins. Love is a transformative force that can overcome the hurts and offenses that can lead to grudges.
Choosing to love deeply means extending forgiveness and grace to others, regardless of their actions towards us. Love seeks reconciliation and healing, allowing for the restoration of broken relationships and the unity of the body of Christ.
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. Holding grudges prevents us from loving others as Christ has loved us.
By choosing to pray for those who have hurt us, we demonstrate the forgiveness and love of God in action. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s heart, allowing us to intercede on behalf of others, including those who have caused us pain.
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. ‘If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them, and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of rebuke and forgiveness in maintaining relationships. If someone sins against us, Jesus instructs us to rebuke them and extend forgiveness if they repent.
Forgiveness is not limited or conditional but should be given freely, even if someone wrongs us repeatedly. It is a reflection of the abundant grace and mercy that God has shown us and allows for the possibility of reconciliation and restoration.
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.”
In this verse, Jesus provides guidance on how to handle conflicts and offenses within the body of Christ. Instead of holding grudges, we are called to address the issue directly with the person involved.
By approaching others with love and humility, seeking understanding and reconciliation, we can prevent the development of grudges and foster healthy relationships within the church. This approach aligns with Jesus’ desire for unity and reconciliation among His followers.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This verse speaks to the importance of covering offenses with love and not spreading gossip or repeating the matter to others. Holding grudges often leads to bitterness and an inclination to share negative information about the person who has wronged us.
Choosing to foster love means keeping disagreements and offenses private and seeking resolution instead of spreading discord. By doing so, we protect relationships and create an environment of trust and unity within the community of believers.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares that the peacemakers are blessed and will be called children of God. As children of God, we are called to actively pursue peace and reconciliation, even when it is difficult.
Choosing to let go of grudges and seek peace allows us to reflect the character of God, who is the ultimate peacemaker. It is through our efforts to reconcile and forgive that we demonstrate our identity as children of God and bring glory to Him.
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.’
Again, Jesus teaches on the limitless nature of forgiveness in this passage. By responding to Peter’s question with a higher number, Jesus emphasizes that forgiveness should not be restricted or quantified.
Choosing to forgive unconditionally and repeatedly releases the power of God’s love and grace in our lives and in the lives of those we forgive. It breaks the chains of grudges and allows us to experience the freedom and peace that come from obedience to Christ’s command.
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.”
These verses highlight the depth of God’s forgiveness and the vastness of His love towards us. God does not hold grudges or hold our past sins against us.
Choosing to forgive others aligns our hearts with God’s heart. It allows us to extend the same love and grace that we have received to those who have wronged us. By imitating God’s forgiveness, we reflect His character and bring glory to Him.
Psalm 130:3-4
“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
This passage reminds us that God is rich in forgiveness and grace. If God were to hold grudges and keep a record of our sins, we would be destined for eternal separation from Him.
Choosing to forgive and let go of grudges allows us to experience the fullness of God’s forgiveness and enables us to serve Him with reverence and gratitude. Forgiveness is a reflection of our understanding and appreciation of God’s undeserved mercy towards us.
What Does the Bible Say About Holding Grudges?
The Bible teaches us about forgiveness and the dangers of holding grudges. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” This emphasizes the importance of forgiving others as we have been forgiven by God.
In Ephesians 4:31-32, we are instructed to “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.” Holding grudges leads to bitterness and resentment, which are not in line with the teachings of Christ.
Additionally, in Colossians 3:13, we are reminded to “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Our forgiveness toward others should reflect the abundant grace and mercy that God has shown us.
When we hold grudges, we allow negative emotions to fester in our hearts, hindering our own spiritual growth and wellbeing. Instead, the Bible encourages us to let go of resentments and extend forgiveness to others, just as God has forgiven us. Doing so not only aligns us with God’s will, but it also brings about inner peace and healing.