Holding Grudges

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.

Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.

And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.”

My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

…for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger,

A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!