“Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
What Does The Bible Say About Holding Grudges
The Bible teaches that holding grudges is harmful to our hearts and relationships. When we carry anger and resentment towards others, it not only affects how we feel but also how we relate to God and the people around us. God calls us to forgive others, just as He has forgiven us. Holding onto grudges keeps us in a place of bitterness, preventing us from experiencing true peace and joy.
The Bible warns us that unforgiveness can separate us from God’s love and hinder our spiritual growth. It tells us that forgiveness is not a suggestion, but a command, and when we forgive, we are released from the grip of anger. Letting go of grudges allows us to walk in the freedom God desires for us. By forgiving, we reflect God’s mercy and grace, and we become more like Christ, who forgave even those who wronged Him.
When we choose forgiveness over holding grudges, we open the door for healing, restoration, and deeper relationships. We find peace in our hearts, and we can love others without the weight of past hurts. The Bible calls us to live in harmony, letting go of anger and embracing forgiveness, for in doing so, we experience the fullness of God’s love and freedom.
Also Read: Bible Verses about Arguing
God Calls Us to Forgive
The Bible teaches that forgiveness is essential for those who follow Christ. Holding grudges keeps us bound to anger and bitterness, but God invites us to forgive as we have been forgiven. Forgiveness allows us to reflect His grace and experience the freedom that comes with letting go of past wrongs. These verses highlight the importance of extending forgiveness to others.
Colossians 3:13
“Be quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.”
Matthew 6:14
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others.”
Luke 6:37
“Forgive, and you’ll be forgiven.”
Mark 11:25
“If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
Proverbs 19:11
“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.”
Grudges Hinder Our Relationship with God
Holding onto a grudge can damage our relationship with God by creating barriers of anger and resentment. The Bible warns against letting bitterness take root in our hearts, as it prevents us from experiencing the fullness of His peace and love. These verses remind us to let go of grudges and seek reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:31
“Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk.”
Hebrews 12:15
“Watch out for the bitter discontent that poisons everyone around you.”
James 1:20
“God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger.”
Romans 12:18
“If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody.”
Psalm 34:14
“Say no to evil and yes to good. Work hard at living in peace with others.”
Forgiveness Brings Healing
The Bible assures us that forgiveness leads to healing and restoration. When we release our grudges, we allow God to heal our hearts and bring peace into our lives. Letting go of resentment opens the door for reconciliation and strengthens our relationships with others. These verses highlight the healing power of forgiveness.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds.”
Matthew 5:23-24
“If you enter a place of worship and suddenly remember a grudge, leave immediately and make things right.”
Isaiah 58:9
“If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people, your lives will begin to glow in the darkness.”
Proverbs 17:9
“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!”
Matthew 18:15
“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you.”
Grudges Poison Our Hearts
Holding grudges allows anger and bitterness to grow within us, poisoning our hearts and minds. The Bible warns against harbouring resentment because it can harm our emotional and spiritual well-being. These verses encourage us to let go of grudges and embrace forgiveness.
Proverbs 14:10
“A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.”
1 Peter 3:9
“No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Don’t be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs.”
Galatians 5:15
“If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—no one in the end is going to be left.”
Matthew 12:34
“What comes out of the mouth gets its start in the heart.”
Forgiveness Reflects God’s Love
When we forgive others, we reflect God’s love and mercy in our lives. The Bible teaches that forgiveness is a powerful testimony of the grace we have received through Christ. It allows us to be a light in a world filled with bitterness and anger. These verses remind us to extend God’s love through forgiveness.
1 John 4:7
“Let’s love each other, because love is from God.”
1 Corinthians 13:5
“Love doesn’t keep score of the sins of others.”
Luke 23:34
“Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.”
Romans 5:8
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Micah 7:18
“He doesn’t stay angry long; He delights in showing mercy.”
Grudges Steal Our Joy
When we hold grudges, we lose the joy and peace that God desires for us. The Bible calls us to forgive so that we can live free from the burden of resentment. By letting go of grudges, we open our hearts to the joy and contentment that come from a life of obedience to God. These verses highlight the joy found in forgiveness.
Philippians 4:4
“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!”
Psalm 16:11
“You’ve given me a ticket to life, one way to joy.”
John 15:11
“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature.”
Nehemiah 8:10
“Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!”
Isaiah 61:3
“God gives bouquets of roses instead of ashes.”
Forgiveness Brings Freedom
Forgiveness sets us free from the chains of bitterness and anger that holding grudges create. The Bible shows that when we forgive, we release ourselves from the burden of carrying past hurts. True freedom comes when we choose to forgive and let God work in our hearts. These verses emphasise the freedom found in forgiveness.
John 8:36
“If the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.”
Romans 8:1
“No condemnation now hangs over the head of those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 5:1
“Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand!”
2 Corinthians 3:17
“Wherever God’s Spirit is, there is freedom.”
Psalm 118:5
“Pushed to the wall, I called to God; from the wide open spaces, he answered.”
Forgiveness Strengthens Relationships
The Bible emphasises that forgiveness is a key ingredient in building and maintaining healthy relationships. Holding grudges creates division and hinders the unity God desires for His people. By forgiving one another, we mirror God’s love and create an environment where relationships can thrive. These verses encourage us to prioritise forgiveness in our interactions with others, bringing harmony and restoration.
Proverbs 17:9
“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!”
Matthew 18:21-22
“Peter asked, ‘Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?’ Jesus replied, ‘Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.'”
Romans 12:10
“Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.”
Colossians 3:14
“And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves, you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.”
Christian Quotes on Holding Grudges
“Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner.” – Max Lucado
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” – Corrie Ten Boom
“Forgiveness doesn’t make the other person right; it makes you free.” – Stormie Omartian
“Holding a grudge doesn’t heal the wound; forgiveness does.” – Charles Stanley
“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” – John Bunyan
“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” – Elisabeth Elliot
“God’s forgiveness is a complete wiping out of our debts; our forgiveness of others should mirror that mercy.” – R.C. Sproul
“When we forgive, we reflect the heart of the Father, who forgives us over and over again.” – Tim Keller
“Forgiveness is not about forgetting; it is about releasing the power the offense holds over you.” – Joyce Meyer
“Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred.” – Billy Graham
Final Thought
Forgiveness is a central theme in the Bible and a foundational principle for living a life that honours God. It is not always easy to let go of the pain caused by others, but forgiveness sets us free from the chains of bitterness and allows God’s peace to fill our hearts. Holding grudges only harms us, but choosing to forgive opens the door to healing, restoration, and joy. When we forgive, we reflect God’s love to the world, reminding others of the mercy we have received through Christ.
Let forgiveness become a daily practice, as it leads to freedom, strengthens relationships, and glorifies God. In a world often marked by resentment and division, may we shine as examples of His grace, always ready to forgive and love as Christ has loved us. Through forgiveness, we experience the beauty of God’s provision for peace in our lives.
