Holding a grudge feels natural when someone wrongs you.
Anger lingers, resentment grows, and bitterness takes root.
But is that how God wants us to live?
The Bible speaks clearly about forgiveness and the dangers of holding onto anger.
Harboring grudges does not bring peace—it creates walls between people and damages the soul.
God calls His people to a higher way, one of love, mercy, and forgiveness.
By understanding what Scripture says about grudges, believers can find freedom from bitterness and embrace the peace that comes with letting go.
Grudges Poison the Heart
When someone holds a grudge, the hurt does not disappear—it festers.
Ephesians 4:31 warns, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
A grudge is like carrying a heavy weight that only harms the person holding it.
Instead of moving forward, bitterness keeps a person stuck in the past.
Resentment clouds judgment, affects relationships, and even impacts physical health.
God does not want His people to be controlled by anger.
He desires freedom from the emotional chains that grudges create.
God Commands Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not just a suggestion in the Bible—it is a command.
Colossians 3:13 instructs, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This verse makes it clear: believers are to forgive, just as God forgives them.
No one is perfect.
Everyone has sinned, hurt others, and made mistakes.
Yet, God does not hold grudges against His people.
If God, who is perfect, forgives sinners, then people should also be willing to forgive one another.
Forgiveness is not about excusing wrongs—it is about choosing freedom over bitterness.
Grudges Block God’s Blessings
Holding onto resentment does not just affect relationships with people—it affects a person’s relationship with God.
Mark 11:25 states, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Unforgiveness creates a barrier between believers and God.
Prayers become hindered when hearts are filled with bitterness.
Forgiveness opens the door to healing, restoration, and God’s blessings.
Letting go of a grudge is not about the other person—it is about experiencing God’s grace fully.
Jesus Taught Radical Forgiveness
Jesus did not just preach about forgiveness—He lived it.
While hanging on the cross, suffering and in pain, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
If Jesus could forgive those who crucified Him, then believers are called to forgive those who wrong them.
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or allowing someone to continue hurting you.
It means releasing the anger and entrusting justice to God.
Jesus’ example shows that forgiveness is powerful and life-changing.
It breaks the cycle of hate and replaces it with grace.
Holding a Grudge Gives Power to the Wrongdoer
Many people hold grudges because they feel justified.
They believe that staying angry keeps them in control.
But in reality, holding a grudge gives the wrongdoer power over their emotions.
Romans 12:19 advises, “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.”
God sees every injustice.
He knows every pain.
Instead of wasting energy on resentment, believers can trust God to handle justice.
Letting go of a grudge does not mean approving of what happened—it means choosing peace over bondage.
The Danger of Letting Anger Take Root
A grudge is like a seed of anger planted in the heart.
If left unchecked, it grows into hatred and bitterness.
Hebrews 12:15 warns, “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.”
Unresolved anger does not stay small.
It spreads into every area of life, affecting relationships, attitudes, and even faith.
Bitterness blinds people to love, joy, and kindness.
God wants His people to be filled with peace, not poisoned by anger.
Love Overcomes Grudges
The Bible teaches that love is greater than any offense.
First Corinthians 13:5 describes love as something that “keeps no record of wrongs.”
True love does not cling to past hurts—it moves forward with grace.
Love is patient, kind, and willing to forgive.
When people choose love over resentment, they reflect God’s heart.
Even in deep hurt, love has the power to bring healing and restoration.
Choosing love does not mean ignoring wrongs but responding with a heart aligned with God’s will.
Practical Steps to Overcome a Grudge
Letting go of a grudge is not always easy, but it is possible through God’s strength.
First, acknowledge the pain.
Pretending something did not hurt will not lead to healing.
Bring the hurt to God in prayer.
Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.”
Next, choose forgiveness even when it feels difficult.
Forgiveness is not a feeling—it is a decision to release resentment.
Also, seek peace when possible.
Romans 12:18 encourages, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Finally, trust God with justice.
When people let go of grudges, they make room for God to bring healing, restoration, and peace.
Final Thoughts
Holding a grudge does not lead to peace—it leads to bitterness.
The Bible warns against resentment and calls believers to a life of forgiveness.
God does not hold grudges against His people, and He commands them to forgive as He forgives.
Letting go of a grudge does not mean forgetting or excusing wrongs.
It means choosing freedom over bitterness, trusting God with justice, and embracing His peace.
When believers release resentment, they step into a life of grace, healing, and love—the life God intended for them.