12 Bible Verses About Holding Grudges

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Published on:

Bible verses about holding grudges

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about holding grudges:

1. Ephesians 4:31 – “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”
2. Matthew 6:14-15 – “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
3. Colossians 3:13 – “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
4. Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
5. Luke 6:37 – “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.”
6. Romans 12:19 – “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

7. Matthew 18:21-22 – “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
8. Mark 11:25 – “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
9. James 5:9 – “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.”
10. 1 Peter 3:9 – “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
11. Matthew 5:23-24 – “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”
12. Luke 17:3-4 – “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”

What does the bible say about holding grudges?

The Bible teaches that holding grudges is not in line with God’s will for us.

It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and letting go of anger and resentment towards others.

It warns against allowing bitterness to take root in our hearts, as it can lead to further conflict and damage relationships.

Instead, the Bible encourages us to seek reconciliation and to show love and compassion towards those who have wronged us.

Ultimately, holding grudges goes against the principles of forgiveness and grace that are central to the Christian faith.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about holding grudges?

1. Matthew 18 – This chapter includes the parable of the unforgiving servant, which teaches about the importance of forgiveness and letting go of grudges. It emphasizes the need to show mercy and forgive others as we have been forgiven by God.

2. Ephesians 4 – This chapter discusses the importance of unity and peace within the body of Christ. It emphasizes the need to let go of bitterness, anger, and malice, and instead, to be kind and compassionate towards one another.

3. Colossians 3 – This chapter talks about putting on the new self and letting go of old ways, including holding grudges. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and love, as well as letting go of anger and resentment.

Reading these chapters can help individuals understand the negative impact of holding grudges and the importance of forgiveness in maintaining healthy relationships with others and with God. It encourages readers to let go of past hurts and grievances and to instead focus on love, mercy, and reconciliation.

Ideas and concepts related to holding grudges that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Forgiveness: The Bible teaches the importance of forgiveness and letting go of past wrongs. Holding grudges goes against the principle of forgiveness, as it involves harboring negative feelings towards someone for a past offense.

2. Love your enemies: The Bible encourages believers to love their enemies and treat them with kindness, rather than holding grudges or seeking revenge. Holding grudges can prevent individuals from showing love and compassion towards those who have wronged them.

3. Repentance: The Bible emphasizes the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness for one’s own sins. Holding grudges can hinder the process of repentance, as it can lead to bitterness and resentment towards others.

4. Reconciliation: The Bible teaches the value of reconciliation and restoring relationships that have been broken. Holding grudges can prevent reconciliation from taking place, as it can create barriers and prevent forgiveness from being extended.

Overall, the concepts of forgiveness, love, repentance, and reconciliation are all related to holding grudges in the sense that they promote healing, restoration, and peace in relationships. By following these biblical principles, individuals can overcome the temptation to hold grudges and instead choose to forgive and show love towards others.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.