What Does the Bible Say About Unforgiveness — In Biblical Context
The Bible warns that harboring unforgiveness blocks our own forgiveness from God and poisons the soul.
The Bible warns that harboring unforgiveness blocks our own forgiveness from God and poisons the soul.
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." — Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Jesus taught explicitly that forgiving others is tied to our own forgiveness. In Matthew 6:14-15 He said, 'For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' The parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) illustrates a man forgiven an enormous debt who then refuses to forgive a small one — and is delivered to tormentors. Hebrews 12:15 warns against a 'root of bitterness' springing up and defiling many. Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs believers to put away all bitterness and be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave them. Unforgiveness is presented not merely as an emotional struggle but as a spiritual danger that can hinder prayer, damage relationships, and grieve the Holy Spirit.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 6:14-15, sits inside Matthew 6. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Supporting Passages
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
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