The 10 Best Bible Verses about Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness can weigh heavy on our hearts, hindering our spiritual growth and robbing us of peace. In this post, we’ll go through 10 powerful Bible verses that address the destructive nature of unforgiveness and the power of letting go. Let’s dive in!

Related: Do not poison your life. You can be free! – Did you know that you can poison your life by holding onto bitterness and offense? The Bible warns us of the dangers: unanswered prayers and even us not being forgiven by God! Don’t fall into this trap!

Ephesians 4:31-32

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Unforgiveness breeds bitterness and destructive emotions. God calls us to release these negative feelings and embrace kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness towards others, just as He has forgiven us through Christ.

Matthew 6:14-15

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Forgiveness is not only a command but also a condition for receiving God’s forgiveness. Holding onto unforgiveness prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God’s mercy and grace.

Colossians 3:13

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Forgiveness involves making allowances for others’ imperfections and choosing to let go of offenses. We are called to extend the same forgiveness that we have received from the Lord.

Mark 11:25

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

Forgiveness should be an integral part of our prayers. It is essential to release grudges and grievances before approaching God so that we may experience His forgiveness and communion with Him.

Luke 6:37

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”

Jesus teaches us the importance of refraining from judgment and condemnation. Instead, we are called to extend forgiveness to others, knowing that it is reciprocal and brings freedom.

Matthew 18:21-22

“Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!'”

Jesus emphasizes the limitless nature of forgiveness. We are to extend forgiveness generously without keeping a tally of offenses, just as God’s forgiveness knows no bounds.

Romans 12:19

“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.”

Unforgiveness often leads to a desire for revenge, but as followers of Christ, we are called to leave justice in God’s hands. Trusting in His righteousness allows us to release the burden of unforgiveness.

Matthew 5:44

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

Unforgiveness can be especially challenging when it involves enemies or those who have hurt us deeply. Yet, Jesus calls us to love and pray for them, showing us a higher way of forgiveness.

1 Peter 4:8

“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”

Love has the power to cover and overcome the offenses committed against us. Choosing love over unforgiveness leads to healing and restoration in relationships.

Matthew 18:33-35

“‘Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”

Jesus concludes the parable of the unforgiving servant with a stern warning. Unforgiveness hardens the heart and obstructs the flow of God’s forgiveness in our lives. It is crucial to forgive from the heart, genuinely and completely.

Prayer about Unforgiveness

Dear Father God,

We come before you, acknowledging the weight of unforgiveness that we carry. Help us to release the burdens of bitterness, anger, and resentment that hinder our spiritual growth and rob us of peace. Please give us the strength to forgive others as you have forgiven us, and fill our hearts with your love and compassion. May we experience the freedom and healing that come from embracing forgiveness and letting go of unforgiveness.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

If you’re holding onto unforgiveness right now, click here to pray a guided prayer to help you forgive those who have wronged you and move forward in peace.

Conclusion

Unforgiveness is a heavy burden that shackles our hearts and hinders our spiritual journey. However, the Word of God reveals the power of forgiveness and the freedom it brings. After looking at these verses, we have seen its destructive nature and the call to release it. Let’s choose forgiveness, showing kindness, compassion, and love, just as God has forgiven us through Jesus’ finished work on the cross.