What does the Bible say about holding grudges?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible calls believers to put away grudges and pursue forgiveness, patience, and peace, because God has graciously forgiven them in Christ. Ephesians 4:31-32 contrasts bitterness and anger with kindness and tenderhearted forgiveness. Jesus warns in Matthew 6:14-15 and Mark 11:25 that a forgiving spirit belongs to those who seek the Father's forgiveness. Romans 12:17-21 forbids personal vengeance and urges Christians to overcome evil with good, leaving final judgment to God. Leviticus 19:18 commands love for one's neighbor rather than resentment, while Proverbs 19:11 commends overlooking offenses. This does not deny the need for wise confrontation and repentance, as Luke 17:3-4 teaches, but it rejects nourishing anger in the heart.
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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.
- 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.
- Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
- 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.
- James 1:19-20
[19] So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God.
- Ephesians 4:26
"Be angry, and don't sin." Don't let the sun go down on your wrath,
- Luke 17:3-4
[3] Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. [4] If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."
- Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.
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