Holding a grudge can weigh us down, affecting not only our relationships but also our spiritual well-being. The Bible encourages us to let go of bitterness and choose forgiveness, even when it’s difficult. These verses remind us of the freedom that comes from releasing resentment and trusting God to heal our hearts. Let’s explore what Scripture says about overcoming grudges and embracing a spirit of forgiveness.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Sinners
Bible Verses About Holding A Grudge
Matthew 6:14 – Forgiveness is essential for our own well-being.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
Colossians 3:13 – We are called to forgive as Christ forgave us.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Ephesians 4:32 – Kindness is more powerful than holding onto resentment.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Luke 6:37 – The measure we use will be the measure we receive.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Mark 11:25 – Releasing grudges opens the door to prayer.
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
James 1:20 – Anger does not produce the righteousness of God.
“Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:20
Romans 12:19 – Vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to us.
“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.” – Romans 12:19
Ephesians 4:26 – It’s important to resolve anger before it festers.
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” – Ephesians 4:26
Matthew 5:23-24 – Reconciliation should be prioritized over worship.
“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.” – Matthew 5:23-24
Proverbs 17:9 – Love covers a multitude of offenses.
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9
1 John 1:9 – Confession leads to forgiveness and healing.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Luke 17:3-4 – Forgiveness must be extended repeatedly.
“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.” – Luke 17:3-4
Proverbs 19:11 – Wisdom enables us to overlook offenses.
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” – Proverbs 19:11
Hebrews 12:15 – We must watch out for bitterness.
“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.” – Hebrews 12:15
Matthew 18:21-22 – Forgiveness should be limitless.
“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!'” – Matthew 18:21-22
1 Peter 3:9 – Responding to harm with goodness is a testament of love.
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Psalm 103:10-12 – God’s mercy serves as our model for forgiveness.
“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.” – Psalm 103:10-12
Galatians 5:15 – Holding grudges can lead to destruction.
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 – Forgiveness can prevent sorrow from overwhelming us.
“If you forgive anyone, I also forgive them. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” – 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
Matthew 7:1-2 – The way we treat others will determine how we are treated.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Matthew 7:1-2
Philippians 2:3 – Humility and selflessness encourage forgiveness.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Luke 23:34 – Jesus modeled forgiveness even in suffering.
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” – Luke 23:34
Isaiah 43:18-19 – Letting go of past hurts opens up new possibilities.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19
John 8:7 – We are all in need of grace and forgiveness.
“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.'” – John 8:7
2 Timothy 2:24-25 – Gentle correction can aid in reconciliation.
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:24-25
Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle response can defuse anger.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – True love encapsulates forgiveness.
“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.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Psalm 37:8 – Letting go of anger leads to peace.
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” – Psalm 37:8