Today we will talk about bible verses about holding grudges (KJV). Holding a grudge can be a tough and heavy burden to carry. As Christians, we often struggle to let go of past hurts and grievances, but God’s Word offers us wisdom and guidance on how to approach forgiveness. Through these verses, we can find hope and encouragement to release those negative feelings and embrace peace and healing instead. Let’s open our hearts and minds to the teachings in the Bible and see how we can grow in love and forgiveness by letting go of grudges.
Bible Verses About Holding Grudges (KJV)
Forgiveness is a Command
Understanding that forgiveness is not just a suggestion but a command from God can reshape how we view holding grudges. It’s clear in the Bible that we are called to forgive others just as we have been forgiven. When we refuse to let go of resentment, we hinder our relationship with God and stunt our spiritual growth. We should embrace the encouragement found in the Scriptures, letting go of grievances to honor our commitment to Christ. Let’s remember, our forgiveness is a reflection of God’s boundless mercy toward us.
Matthew 6:14
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
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.” – Colossians 3:13
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
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.” – Mark 11:25
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.” – Luke 6:37
The Impact of Holding Grudges
Grudges can weigh us down and negatively affect our lives. When we hold onto resentment, it can seep into every aspect of our being, causing stress and even health issues. The Bible warns us against this very thing. By recognizing the destructive nature of grudges, we can choose a different path – one that leads to healing and freedom. Through understanding the impact of our choices, we are reminded how important it is to let go of anger and embrace forgiveness, which is ultimately for our own benefit as well.
Hebrews 12:15
“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” – Hebrews 12:15
Proverbs 14:30
“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30
Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31
Proverbs 28:13
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
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.” – Romans 12:19
God’s Mercy Toward Us
When we meditate on God’s infinite mercy, it becomes clearer how essential it is for us to extend that mercy to others. The Bible is filled with stories and verses that highlight God’s grace. By remembering how much God has forgiven us, our grudges begin to lose their stronghold. It can be a challenge, but if we keep in mind the great lengths God has gone to redeem us, we will be inspired to forgive others, setting ourselves free in the process.
Psalm 103:10
“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” – Psalm 103:10
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Psalm 86:5
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” – Psalm 86:5
Luke 15:20
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20
The Power of Love
Understanding the power of love is essential in overcoming grudges. Love encourages us to rise above hurt and choose the path of grace instead. God’s commandments are rooted deeply in love, and when we embody love in our hearts, grudges don’t stand a chance. As we focus on compassion and kindness, the barriers created by anger and bitterness start to crumble. By fostering love, we cultivate deeper relationships not just with others, but with God as well.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
1 Peter 4:8
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Galatians 5:14
“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” – Galatians 5:14
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Romans 13:10
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Restoration and Healing
It’s important to recognize that reconciliation and healing start with forgiveness. By letting go of grudges, we allow ourselves the chance to heal emotionally and spiritually. The Bible speaks about God’s heart for restoration, and as we embrace this journey, we become open to restoring relationships, starting with ourselves. Through the healing power of forgiveness and the restoration that follows, we are empowered to break cycles of hurt and move forward in joy.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
James 5:16
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” – Isaiah 61:1
Jeremiah 30:17
“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.” – Jeremiah 30:17
Psalm 147:3
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
Trusting God’s Plan
Trusting in God’s plan is a beautiful way to release our grudges and let go of bitterness. When we understand that God sees the bigger picture and that every challenge can be turned into an opportunity for growth, we can rest in His perfect wisdom. We’re reminded that holding onto our grievances doesn’t align with His plan for our lives. Trusting God enables us to surrender our hurts, finding freedom and peace in Him. This practice allows us to walk confidently toward a brighter, more hopeful future.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
Learning to Let Go
Learning to let go of grudges presents many challenges, and we often find ourselves clinging to negative feelings. By understanding that letting go is a necessary step to spiritual growth, we can foster a journey of deeper faith. The Bible teaches us that surrendering our hurt opens up room for new beginnings. It’s about consciously deciding to release the weight of stubbornness, allowing God to work in our hearts. We must embrace the freedom found in forgiveness and truly learn to let go.
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:18-19
Colossians 2:13
“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.” – Colossians 2:13
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Living in Peace
Living in peace is the ultimate goal and a beautiful gift that comes from practicing forgiveness rather than holding grudges. The peace that comes from God surpasses all understanding and allows us to live in harmony with others. When we shift our focus from negativity to grace, we can embrace the joy of peaceful living. The Bible encourages us to seek peace and pursue it, reminding us that our relationships can flourish when we refuse to let bitterness take root. Becoming peacemakers is a testament to our faith and deepens our connection to God.
Hebrews 12:14
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” – Romans 14:19
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
James 3:18
“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” – James 3:18
Final Thoughts
In our journey of faith, we’ve explored the importance of letting go of grudges and embracing forgiveness. Through the Bible verses shared, we realize that forgiveness is not just a command from God but a path toward healing and peace. By grounding ourselves in love, mercy, and grace, we learn to trust God’s plan, allowing us to let go of past hurts. Ultimately, our choice to forgive is a testament to our growth and relationship with Christ, leading us to a more joyful and harmonious life.
As we move forward, let’s remember the power of forgiveness and the peace that follows. It is always connected to accepting God’s mercy and love in our own lives. May we continually strive to be peacemakers and walk confidently toward the future He has planned for us. It’s a beautiful journey, and together, we can support and uplift each other as we learn to love and forgive.
Let’s embrace this journey wholeheartedly, letting go of grudges and seeking peace, together as a community of believers who reflect Christ’s love in the world.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4