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What does the Bible say about grudges?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible calls us to put away grudges and forgive others as God has forgiven us in Christ. Ephesians 4:31-32 rejects bitterness, anger, and malice, urging tenderhearted forgiveness rooted in the gospel. Leviticus 19:18 forbids bearing a grudge and commands love for one’s neighbor, while Matthew 6:14-15 and Mark 11:25 soberly connect our forgiving spirit with our dependence on the Father’s forgiveness. Christians need not deny evil or excuse injustice, but Romans 12:17-21 calls us to resist personal vengeance, overcome evil with good, and entrust judgment to God. Love does not keep a record of wrongs, as 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 teaches, but seeks reconciliation and peace.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Ephesians 4:31-32

    [31] Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. [32] And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

  • Matthew 6:14-15

    [14] "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

  • Leviticus 19:18

    You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.

  • Ephesians 4:32

    And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

  • Romans 12:17-21

    [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." [20] Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head." [21] Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

  • Mark 11:25

    Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

    [4] Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, [5] doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; [6] doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [8] Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with.

  • Ephesians 4:26

    "Be angry, and don't sin." Don't let the sun go down on your wrath,

  • Proverbs 10:12

    Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all wrongs.

  • Luke 6:31

    "As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them.

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