THE DANGER OF HOLDING GRUDGES

THE DANGER OF HOLDING GRUDGES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 4:31-32

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:14-15, Hebrews 12:14-15, Colossians 3:13, Proverbs 19:11, Romans 12:19

INTRODUCTION:

Holding grudges is dangerous to spiritual growth, emotional well-being, and relationships. When people refuse to forgive, they carry unnecessary burdens that hinder their prayers, cause bitterness, and open doors to the enemy. As believers, we are called to walk in love and forgiveness, just as God forgives us. This teaching will expose the dangers of holding grudges and encourage us to live a life free from resentment.

1. GRUDGES BLOCK GOD’S FORGIVENESS

One of the most serious dangers of holding grudges is that it prevents us from receiving God’s forgiveness.

a) God Commands Us to Forgive – Forgiveness is not optional but a command (Matthew 6:14-15).

b) Unforgiveness Hinders Prayer – Jesus taught that unforgiveness can be a stumbling block in prayer (Mark 11:25).

c) We Must Forgive as God Forgives – We are called to forgive as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13).

d) A Hardened Heart Leads to Judgment – Jesus warned about the consequences of unforgiveness (Matthew 18:34-35).

e) Biblical Example:
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) – The servant who refused to forgive was handed over to tormentors.

2. GRUDGES BREED BITTERNESS AND DESTROY RELATIONSHIPS

Holding grudges allows bitterness to grow, damaging relationships with God and others.

a) Bitterness Defiles the Heart – Unforgiveness leads to a poisoned spirit (Hebrews 12:15).

b) Grudges Destroy Friendships – Unresolved anger leads to broken relationships (Proverbs 17:9).

c) A Bitter Heart Cannot Love Freely – Love and bitterness cannot coexist (1 John 4:20).

d) Resentment Can Lead to Hatred – Holding grudges creates deep-seated hatred (Leviticus 19:18).

e) Biblical Example:
Esau and Jacob (Genesis 27:41) – Esau’s grudge against Jacob led to years of separation and strife.

3. GRUDGES GIVE SATAN A FOOTHOLD

When we refuse to forgive, we open the door for the devil to operate in our lives.

a) Unforgiveness Is a Tool of the Enemy – The devil uses grudges to trap people in bondage (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).

b) Holding Grudges Opens Doors to Demonic Oppression – Bitterness creates access points for spiritual attacks (Ephesians 4:26-27).

c) Satan Uses Grudges to Divide the Church – Strife weakens the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10).

d) Unforgiveness Can Lead to Depression and Anxiety – A heart filled with resentment suffers emotionally (Proverbs 14:30).

e) Biblical Example:
Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:5-8) – Cain’s grudge led him to murder his own brother.

4. GRUDGES BLOCK GOD’S BLESSINGS AND HINDER PRAYERS

Unforgiveness can limit divine blessings and prevent prayers from being answered.

a) God Blesses Those Who Forgive – Forgiveness attracts God’s mercy (Matthew 5:7).

b) Unforgiveness Hinders Spiritual Growth – A resentful heart struggles to grow in faith (Mark 11:25).

c) Lack of Forgiveness Can Bring Sickness – Emotional burdens affect physical health (Proverbs 17:22).

d) Forgiveness Unlocks Breakthroughs – When we let go of grudges, God moves on our behalf (Job 42:10).

e) Biblical Example:
Joseph Forgiving His Brothers (Genesis 50:19-21) – Joseph’s forgiveness led to restoration and divine elevation.

5. GRUDGES LEAD TO GOD’S JUDGMENT

God warns against holding grudges, as it invites His judgment upon us.

a) God Will Judge Those Who Refuse to Forgive – He deals with unmerciful hearts (Matthew 18:34-35).

b) Unforgiveness Is a Form of Pride – A refusal to forgive exalts self above God’s commands (James 4:6).

c) Harbouring Resentment Is a Sin – Grudges are a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21).

d) Forgiveness Reflects Our Salvation – If we truly belong to Christ, we will forgive (Ephesians 4:32).

e) Biblical Example:
King Saul and David (1 Samuel 18:8-9) – Saul’s grudge against David led to his downfall and death.

CONCLUSION:
Holding grudges is spiritually dangerous and brings unnecessary burdens into our lives. It hinders prayers, breeds bitterness, gives the enemy access, blocks God’s blessings, and invites divine judgment. God calls us to forgive freely as He has forgiven us. If we want to experience His peace and favour, we must let go of all resentment and embrace a life of love and forgiveness.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Lord, give me the grace to forgive and let go of every grudge.

2.  Father, remove every root of bitterness from my heart.

3.  O God, heal every broken relationship in my life.

4.  Lord, deliver me from the trap of unforgiveness.

5.   Every spirit of anger and resentment, be uprooted from my life.

6.  Father, let Your love fill my heart and guide my actions.

7.  I cancel every plan of the enemy to sow division in my life.

8.  Lord, help me to walk in peace and harmony with others.

9.  Every blessing that unforgiveness has blocked in my life, be restored.

10. Father, make me an instrument of reconciliation in my family and church.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  I declare that you will walk in love and forgiveness!

2.  No grudge shall have power over your heart and mind!

3.  Every bitterness in your life is uprooted in Jesus' name!

4.  Your prayers shall no longer be hindered by unforgiveness!

5.  You shall receive the grace to let go and move forward!

6.  Every plan of the enemy to keep you in bondage is destroyed!

7. Your relationships shall be restored and strengthened!

8.  Divine peace shall flood your heart and home!

9.  You shall walk in the full blessings of God as you forgive!

10.  From today, you will be a vessel of love, peace, and reconciliation!

This message highlights the severe consequences of holding grudges while encouraging forgiveness and reconciliation.