Holding grudges can weigh us down, causing bitterness and hindering our relationships. The Bible teaches us the importance of forgiveness and letting go of grudges.
These verses remind us of the power of reconciliation and the freedom that comes from releasing resentment. By choosing forgiveness, we open ourselves to healing and restoration.
Let’s delve into these verses that challenge us to lay down our grudges and embrace the transformative power of forgiveness.
Bible Verses About Grudges
Leviticus 19:18
“You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of love and forbids holding grudges. Instead, it encourages treating others with kindness and seeking reconciliation.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Jesus teaches the significance of forgiveness and warns against holding onto grudges. By forgiving others, we open ourselves to receive forgiveness from God.
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
This verse highlights the Christian duty of bearing with others and forgiving them, just as Christ forgave us. It encourages letting go of grudges and embracing a spirit of forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:26
“Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.”
While acknowledging that anger can arise, this verse advises against nurturing grudges. It encourages resolving conflicts and seeking reconciliation promptly.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.”
This proverb reminds us that harboring grudges and fostering hatred leads to conflict and division. Love, on the other hand, has the power to cover and overcome offenses.
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Jesus teaches the importance of refraining from judgment and condemnation. By forgiving others, we invite forgiveness into our own lives.
Romans 12:19
“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
This verse reminds us that vengeance belongs to God alone. Instead of holding grudges, we are to trust in God’s justice and allow Him to handle any wrongdoing.
Proverbs 17:9
“He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.”
This proverb underscores the importance of covering offenses with love instead of dwelling on them and causing division. It encourages maintaining healthy relationships by letting go of grudges.
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'”
Peter asked Jesus about the limit of forgiveness, and Jesus responded with a symbolic number, emphasizing the unlimited nature of forgiveness. It encourages us to release grudges and extend forgiveness abundantly.
Proverbs 19:11
“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.”
This proverb emphasizes the virtue of exercising self-control and overlooking offenses. It reminds us that refraining from holding grudges brings honor and glory.
Mark 11:25
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”
Jesus highlights the importance of forgiveness during prayer. By forgiving others, we align ourselves with God’s forgiveness and experience His mercy.
Romans 12:17-18
“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
These verses encourage us to resist the temptation to retaliate and instead promote peace. Living without grudges fosters harmonious relationships.
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.”
This proverb teaches us to respond to our enemies with kindness rather than holding grudges. By doing so, we may foster conviction and bring about reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
These verses urge us to let go of negative emotions and cultivate kindness and forgiveness. By imitating God’s forgiveness, we can free ourselves from grudges.
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Jesus emphasizes the significance of reconciliation. He encourages us to prioritize restoring broken relationships over external acts of worship.
Proverbs 14:21
“He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.”
This proverb reminds us that harboring grudges and treating others with contempt is sinful. Showing mercy and compassion brings happiness and fulfillment.
Matthew 5:44
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
Jesus challenges us to transcend grudges by loving and blessing our enemies. Praying for those who mistreat us helps soften our hearts and fosters healing.
Romans 14:10
“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”
This verse cautions against judging others and holding grudges. It reminds us that we are all accountable to God, who alone has the right to judge.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Saying I Am Sorry (With Commentary)
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This proverb highlights the power of gentle and gracious speech in diffusing conflicts. Responding with understanding and forgiveness helps avoid grudges.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Jesus recognizes the value of peacemakers. By actively working towards reconciliation and letting go of grudges, we reflect God’s nature and experience His blessings.
1 Corinthians 13:5
“[Love] does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil.”
The characteristics of love described in this verse include not being easily provoked or holding grudges. Love seeks the well-being of others and fosters reconciliation.
James 1:19-20
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
These verses urge us to exercise self-control in conflicts and avoid nurturing grudges. A patient and understanding attitude fosters righteousness.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil’; wait for the LORD, and He will save you.”
This proverb encourages us to entrust the resolution of wrongs to God instead of harboring grudges. Waiting for God’s justice and salvation brings peace.
Matthew 18:15
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”
Jesus advises a direct approach when dealing with offenses. Addressing issues privately promotes understanding and reconciliation, averting grudges.
Ephesians 4:2-3
“With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
These verses emphasize the importance of humility, gentleness, and patience in preserving unity. Bearing with one another in love helps prevent grudges.
Proverbs 16:7
“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
This proverb highlights the transformative power of righteousness. By living in harmony with God’s ways, we can facilitate reconciliation, even with our enemies.
Matthew 18:35
“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Jesus concludes the parable of the unforgiving servant with this verse, underscoring the importance of wholehearted forgiveness. Failure to forgive others jeopardizes our own forgiveness from God.
Remember to seek wisdom and discernment when interpreting and applying these verses to your own life. May these teachings inspire you to let go of grudges, cultivate forgiveness, and pursue reconciliation in your relationships.