What is the Biblical Definition of Unforgiveness?

Bible Summary. A simple definition of unforgiveness is “a grudge against someone who has offended you”. Another definition of unforgiveness is not having the compassion to forgive. Unforgiveness is a sin that causes us to think and do evil things. See below for Biblical commentary and advice concerning the definition of unforgiveness.

Unforgiveness Definition: A Grudge Against Someone Who Has Offended You.

In the Bible, Esau had all the excuses in the world to hold a grudge against his brother. Jacob had offended him greatly by taking his father’s blessing. Esau could not forgive nor have love for his brother.

See Scripture Commentary: Genesis 27:41 tells us how Esau held unforegiveness for his brother, Jacob.

Unforgiveness Definition: Not Having the Compassion to Forgive.

Another definition of unforgiveness is not having the compassion to forgive. If someone has offended us, we have a choice to either forgive them or not forgive them. Unforgiveness is when we choose not to have compassion for someone that has offended us, and we choose not to have the willingness to forgive them.

See Scripture Commentary: Matthew 18:33 advises us to have compassion for our fellowman as God has had mercy on us.

Unforgiveness Definition: A Resentful Attitude That Spews Out All Types of Evil.

No matter what or how a person offends us, it is our choice whether we forgive or do not forgive them. From a Biblical viewpoint, to forgive is good and to not forgive is bad. Unforgiveness is a sin that causes us to think and do evil things.

See Scripture Commentary: Ephesians 4:31 advises us to put away bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice that comes from unforgiveness.