30 Bible Verses About Not Holding Grudges

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31

Bible Verses About Not Holding Grudges

Understanding Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a central teaching in our faith. It calls us to not only acknowledge our own faults but also to release others from the burdens we carry against them. We are given the amazing grace of forgiveness from God, and we are meant to reflect that in our own lives. When we choose to forgive, we are not merely excusing the wrongs done to us; we are actively participating in healing our hearts and souls. Holding grudges can weigh us down, bringing bitterness and despair. Instead, we are called to let go and experience the freedom that forgiveness offers. It allows us to fully live in the love and peace that God desires for us. Forgiveness does not mean we forget the hurt, but it means we acknowledge it, choose to let it go, and move forward in love.

Matthew 6:14-15

“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.” – Matthew 6:14-15

Colossians 3:13

“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13

Luke 6:37

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37

Mark 11:25

“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

The Consequences of Holding Grudges

When we hold onto grudges, we allow bitterness to take root in our hearts. This not only affects our relationships with others but also hinders our relationship with God. We may find ourselves constantly replaying the wrongs done to us, fostering an environment of anger and resentment. Rather than feeling peace, we experience turmoil. This burden can be very heavy; it can cloud our judgment and our ability to love. We are called to cast away these heavy weights and instead choose love, understanding, and compassion. Releasing our grudges opens the door to healing and renewal.

Proverbs 19:11

“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” – Proverbs 19:11

James 1:20

“For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” – James 1:20

Hebrews 12:15

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” – Hebrews 12:15

Matthew 5:23-24

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24

Proverbs 14:30

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” – Proverbs 14:30

The Power of Love

God calls us to love, and love is the antidote to grudges. When we choose love over resentment, we pave the way for healing in our relationships and in ourselves. Love encourages us to see others differently, to understand their shortcomings, and to respond with grace. It allows us to build bridges rather than walls. As we walk in love, we reflect the nature of Christ, who forgave us unconditionally. No matter how big the wrong, God’s love empowers us to forgive and to move forward in peace. Let love lead our hearts in all situations, removing the shackles of anger and bitterness.

1 John 4:19

“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19

1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8

Romans 13:10

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” – Romans 13:10

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

God’s Call to Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a vital part of our Christian walk. We’re encouraged to seek restoration in our relationships rather than allowing grudges to fester. God desires for us to be in unity with one another, just as He is one with us. When we acknowledge our differences and our hurt, we are given an opportunity to grow. We can talk, understand each other’s perspectives, and find healing through honest communication. God blesses our efforts in reconciliation, and each step we take in love brings us closer to the heart of God.

2 Corinthians 5:18

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:18

Matthew 18:21-22

“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” – Matthew 18:21-22

Psalm 133:1

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” – Psalm 133:1

Romans 12:18

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” – Romans 12:18

Ephesians 2:14-16

“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” – Ephesians 2:14-16

Healing Through Forgiveness

Forgiveness brings about healing in our lives. Each time we release the burdens of resentment and unforgiveness, we create space for joy and peace to flourish. Our hearts become lighter, and our mental well-being improves. Forgiveness is not just about others; it is about us too. We are freed from the shackles of bitterness and anger. God understands our struggles, and in our willingness to forgive, He helps us mend the broken pieces of our hearts. Healing can be uncomfortable, but it is a vital part of our growth in Christ.

Isaiah 53:5

“But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

James 5:16

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” – James 5:16

Matthew 9:6

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—”Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” – Matthew 9:6

Psalms 147:3

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalms 147:3

John 8:36

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36