Holding grudges is like carrying a weight that burdens your heart, soul, and mind.
The Bible teaches that harboring unforgiveness and bitterness prevents us from experiencing the peace and freedom God desires for us.
It encourages believers to forgive, just as God forgives us, and warns of the spiritual consequences of holding onto past hurts.
These 35 Bible verses offer powerful insights into how we are called to let go of grudges and embrace forgiveness.
By reflecting on these Scriptures, we gain wisdom on how to move forward in love, healing, and reconciliation, breaking the chains of bitterness that bind us.
Bible Verses About Holding Grudges
1. Ephesians 4:31-32 – Let Go of Bitterness
“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 emphasizes that bitterness and anger block the flow of God’s love and peace in our lives.
We are called to replace these negative emotions with kindness and forgiveness, modeling Christ’s compassion.
Forgiveness frees us from the chains of resentment, enabling healing and restoration in our relationships.
2. Colossians 3:13 – Forgiving One Another
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Forgiveness is a command, not an option, and it reflects the grace God has shown to us.
Holding grudges distorts our relationships with others and obstructs our spiritual growth.
By forgiving as God forgives, we extend the same mercy He has poured into our lives.
3. Matthew 6:14-15 – The Condition of Forgiveness
“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 stresses that forgiveness is not optional for believers but is a vital part of our relationship with God.
Holding onto grudges prevents us from receiving God’s forgiveness, as we must forgive others to be forgiven ourselves.
Forgiveness reflects God’s nature and opens the door to His grace and mercy in our own lives.
4. Mark 11:25 – Forgiveness Brings Peace
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Holding grudges during prayer hinders our communication with God, preventing peace from flowing into our hearts.
Forgiving others is an act of obedience and a crucial step toward restoring our relationship with God.
This verse reminds us that peace and forgiveness go hand-in-hand and should be part of our daily lives.
5. Luke 17:3-4 – Repeated Forgiveness
“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.”
Forgiveness is not a one-time act but a continual process, especially in difficult relationships.
This passage shows that God calls us to forgive endlessly, just as He continually forgives us.
Repeated forgiveness is a demonstration of God’s grace in our lives and helps break the cycle of bitterness.
6. Matthew 18:21-22 – Unlimited Forgiveness
“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.'”
Jesus challenges us to forgive without limits, a practice that reflects God’s boundless mercy toward us.
This verse teaches that holding onto grudges is a hindrance to growth and peace, and forgiveness should be abundant.
The willingness to forgive liberates us from the grip of anger and enables healing in relationships.
7. Proverbs 17:9 – Love Covers Offenses
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Love and forgiveness are intertwined, and covering offenses with love prevents unnecessary division.
When we hold onto grudges and bring up past offenses, we damage relationships and promote discord.
This verse encourages us to let go of minor grievances, fostering love and unity instead of division.
8. 1 John 1:9 – God’s Forgiveness for Us
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
God’s forgiveness is a model for how we are to forgive others, fully and without reservation.
This verse assures us that God will forgive our sins when we genuinely repent, and we are called to mirror this behavior.
God’s forgiveness is both an example and a command for us to extend to others, no matter the offense.
9. Hebrews 12:14-15 – Pursuing Peace
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 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.”
Holding grudges allows bitterness to grow, causing division and defilement.
This verse teaches that peace is essential in our relationships and should be pursued actively through forgiveness.
Bitterness poisons our hearts and hinders our ability to experience God’s grace fully.
10. Romans 12:19-21 – Overcoming Evil with Good
“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. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.'”
God calls us to trust in His judgment and leave vengeance to Him, demonstrating forgiveness and love instead.
This verse calls us to break the cycle of retaliation by responding to evil with kindness and goodness.
By forgiving and not holding grudges, we leave room for God to work and heal broken relationships.
11. Matthew 18:35 – The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
God’s forgiveness is contingent upon our willingness to forgive others.
This verse teaches that withholding forgiveness damages our relationship with God and blocks His blessings.
Forgiveness must come from the heart, as it demonstrates the sincerity of our faith and love for others.
12. Romans 12:9 – Genuine Love
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
Genuine love cannot coexist with bitterness or unforgiveness, as it compels us to seek reconciliation.
This verse calls us to love with sincerity, pushing aside any resentment or grudges we may hold.
By letting go of bitterness, we embody Christ’s love and foster peace in our relationships.
13. Matthew 5:23-24 – Reconciliation First
“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.”
Reconciliation takes precedence over worship, as unresolved conflicts hinder our relationship with God.
This verse teaches that we must actively seek to mend broken relationships before offering our worship.
Forgiveness and reconciliation clear the way for genuine communion with God.
14. 2 Corinthians 2:7-8 – Forgiving the Offender
“Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.”
Forgiveness restores relationships and prevents the offender from being consumed by guilt and sorrow.
This verse emphasizes that when we forgive, we are also called to comfort and reaffirm love.
Forgiveness is not just an act of release; it is also an act of compassion and healing.
15. 1 Peter 3:9 – Not Retaliating
“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.”
Repaying evil with kindness breaks the cycle of retaliation and transforms bitterness into blessings.
This verse teaches that forgiveness should be immediate, not conditioned on the other person’s actions.
By forgiving, we fulfill God’s call to live in peace, making space for His blessings in our lives.
16. Luke 6:37 – The Call to Forgive
“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 that forgiveness is a reciprocal act.
When we forgive, we open ourselves to God’s forgiveness in return.
Holding onto grudges brings judgment and condemnation, while forgiveness leads to peace and grace.
17. Hebrews 12:14-15 – Pursuing Peace and Holiness
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 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.”
Bitterness is like a root that can spread and defile relationships and communities.
We are called to actively seek peace and reconciliation, not allow resentment to take root.
Forgiveness protects us from bitterness, enabling us to live in harmony with others and with God.
18. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 – Forgiveness Restores Fellowship
“Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. 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.”
Forgiving others restores relationships and prevents Satan from using division to his advantage.
This verse shows that forgiveness is a strategic act to protect the unity and peace of the Church.
By forgiving, we disarm the enemy’s schemes of division and allow God’s peace to reign.
19. Matthew 7:3-5 – Removing the Log from Your Eye
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?”
Holding grudges blinds us to our own faults and shortcomings.
This verse challenges us to first seek forgiveness for our own sins before condemning others.
By recognizing our own flaws, we create a more humble and forgiving attitude toward others.
20. Romans 12:18 – Living at Peace
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Living at peace requires intentional effort and a willingness to forgive.
This verse encourages us to take the initiative in restoring relationships and letting go of past hurts.
Forgiveness is an act of peace-making, allowing us to break free from the cycle of resentment.
21. Luke 17:3 – Rebuking and Forgiving
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.”
Forgiveness is conditional on repentance, but we are called to forgive when the offender seeks restoration.
This verse shows that while accountability is important, forgiveness is essential for healing.
By forgiving, we create the space for reconciliation and healing to take place.
22. Matthew 18:21-22 – Unlimited Forgiveness
“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.'”
Jesus teaches that forgiveness should be unlimited, reflecting the boundless mercy we receive from God.
This verse emphasizes that harboring grudges is contrary to the nature of Christ’s love.
When we forgive repeatedly, we demonstrate Christ-like love that knows no bounds.
23. Ephesians 4:32 – Be Kind and Compassionate
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Kindness and compassion are at the heart of forgiveness, as we emulate God’s forgiveness toward us.
This verse reminds us that forgiveness is not just a command but an opportunity to reflect God’s love.
When we forgive, we not only release others from their offenses but also free ourselves from bitterness.
24. Proverbs 19:11 – The Wisdom of Overlooking Offenses
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Overlooking minor offenses rather than holding grudges promotes peace and strengthens relationships.
This verse encourages patience, showing that forgiveness is often a sign of wisdom and maturity.
Forgiving the small things avoids unnecessary conflict and nurtures unity and understanding.
25. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 – The Lord’s Servant
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but 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.”
The Lord calls us to avoid bitterness and to handle conflict with gentleness and patience.
This verse teaches that when we forgive, we demonstrate a Christ-like spirit that opens the door for reconciliation.
Forgiveness fosters an environment where repentance and healing can occur in the lives of others.
26. Colossians 3:12-13 – Compassion and Forgiveness
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Forgiveness should be rooted in compassion and love, reflecting God’s heart for His people.
This verse emphasizes that as recipients of God’s mercy, we are called to extend mercy to others.
The forgiveness we offer is a reflection of the forgiveness we have received from God.
27. Galatians 6:1-2 – Restoring with Gentleness
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Forgiveness involves not only letting go of past hurts but also restoring relationships in a spirit of gentleness.
This verse teaches that forgiveness is part of a larger commitment to help others grow spiritually.
When we bear each other’s burdens, we fulfill God’s law by embodying love and forgiveness in the community.
28. Romans 14:19 – Pursue What Leads to Peace
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Forgiveness and peace go hand in hand, and we are called to pursue both.
This verse highlights the importance of creating an environment of peace by letting go of grudges.
When we forgive, we contribute to mutual edification and build up the body of Christ.
29. Philippians 4:7 – Peace Beyond Understanding
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Forgiveness opens the door to the peace of God, guarding our hearts and minds from bitterness.
This verse promises that when we let go of grudges, God’s peace will reign in our lives.
Forgiveness allows us to experience a peace that surpasses human understanding, protecting our emotional well-being.
30. Luke 6:28 – Bless Those Who Curse You
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Forgiveness is not merely a release of the offense but a call to bless and pray for our offenders.
This verse challenges us to actively love and pray for those who hurt us, breaking the cycle of bitterness.
By blessing those who wrong us, we model Christ’s love and invite healing into our relationships.
31. Matthew 18:35 – Forgiving from the Heart
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
True forgiveness comes from the heart and is not just a superficial action.
This verse warns that forgiveness must be genuine, or we risk forfeiting God’s forgiveness for ourselves.
Forgiving from the heart allows for true healing and restoration in our relationships.
32. John 20:23 – The Power of Forgiveness
“If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Forgiveness carries great power, not only in our relationships but also in our spiritual walk with God.
This verse teaches that our willingness to forgive directly affects the forgiveness we receive from God.
Forgiveness is a powerful act of grace that reconciles us to others and to God.
33. 2 Corinthians 5:18 – Ministry of Reconciliation
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Forgiveness is an essential part of the ministry of reconciliation that God calls us to.
This verse reminds us that through Christ, we have been reconciled to God, and we are to extend that same grace to others.
As we forgive, we actively participate in God’s work of reconciliation in the world.
34. Psalm 103:12 – God’s Forgiveness Toward Us
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
God’s forgiveness is complete and far-reaching, wiping away our sins completely.
This verse shows the depth of God’s forgiveness, teaching us to forgive in the same way.
Forgiveness involves letting go of the offense, as God has done for us, and releasing the past.
35. Romans 5:8 – God’s Love and Forgiveness
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Christ forgave us while we were still sinners, and we are called to forgive others with the same love.
This verse shows that forgiveness is a demonstration of God’s great love, extended even to those who hurt us.
By forgiving others, we mirror the love Christ has shown us, creating peace in our hearts and relationships.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Holding Grudges
The Bible consistently teaches that holding grudges is not just harmful to our relationships with others but also obstructs our relationship with God.
Unforgiveness creates barriers, not only in the hearts of those we are holding grudges against but also in our own hearts, preventing us from fully experiencing God’s love, grace, and peace.
Throughout the Bible, we are called to forgive as God has forgiven us, with mercy and without limit.
Holding on to resentment keeps us trapped in a cycle of bitterness and strife, but forgiving others frees us and aligns us with God’s will.
When we choose to forgive, we reflect Christ’s love and become instruments of peace in a world full of conflict.
The Bible reminds us that forgiveness is a key component of living a life that honors God and fosters healthy relationships.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your endless mercy and forgiveness. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me, just as You have forgiven me.
Release me from any bitterness or resentment, and heal my heart. Teach me to extend love and grace, even when it is difficult.
May I reflect Your forgiveness in all my relationships, bringing peace and reconciliation. Give me the strength to forgive, and help me to release the burden of grudges, walking in freedom.
I trust in Your ability to heal and restore, knowing that when I forgive, I also receive Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.