Christians are called to love, but sometimes we fall short and hurt others. The Bible provides wisdom on seeking forgiveness and making things right. Today, we’ll reflect on what Scripture says about healing relationships.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Christians Celebrating Halloween
What Does The Bible Say About Christians Hurt Others
Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
This verse emphasizes the power of our words and how they can either hurt or heal others. Reckless words can cause deep emotional wounds, while wise and kind words can bring healing and restoration to relationships.
As Christians, we are called to be mindful of our words, speaking with love and compassion. We should strive to build others up instead of tearing them down and seek reconciliation and healing when conflicts arise.
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking reconciliation with others before offering our worship to God. If we have hurt someone, intentionally or unintentionally, it is our responsibility to make amends and seek forgiveness.
Being a Christian means recognizing and owning up to our mistakes, showing humility and a willingness to make things right. By prioritizing reconciliation, we demonstrate the love and grace of Christ to others.
James 3:9-10
“With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
This verse highlights the inconsistency of praising God while simultaneously tearing down others with our words. As Christians, we should strive for integrity in our speech, treating each person with respect and recognizing their inherent value as creations made in the image of God.
Our words should reflect the love and grace that we have received from God, avoiding any form of judgment, gossip, or harmful communication. Let us strive to bring life and encouragement with our words.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This verse reminds us to be mindful of the impact our words can have on others. As Christians, our speech should be characterized by edification and encouragement, rather than tearing others down.
Before we speak, let us consider whether our words will bring value and benefit to those who hear them. May our words be filled with grace and understanding, building up others and pointing them to the love of Christ.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
This verse teaches us the power of responding to others with gentleness and kindness. When we encounter conflict or hurtful situations, responding in a calm and gentle manner can diffuse tension and promote understanding.
Choosing to respond with harshness or anger only escalates the situation, leading to further hurt and division. As Christians, may we exemplify Christ’s love by choosing gentle words that promote peace and reconciliation.
Matthew 7:12
“So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
This verse, often referred to as the Golden Rule, calls us to treat others the way we want to be treated. As Christians, we are called to love one another and treat each person with kindness, empathy, and respect.
If we do not want to be hurt by others, let us not hurt them in return. By practicing the Golden Rule, we reflect the character of Christ and create a positive and nurturing environment for interpersonal relationships.
Galatians 6:1-2
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of restoring others with gentleness and compassion when they have fallen into sin. Rather than condemning or judging, we are called to extend a helping hand and offer grace.
By carrying each other’s burdens and supporting one another, we embody the love of Christ and fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Romans 12:17-18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse teaches us to resist the temptation to retaliate or seek revenge when we are wronged. Instead, we are urged to pursue righteousness and strive for peaceful relationships.
As Christians, we should be willing to go the extra mile to find common ground, mediate conflicts, and promote reconciliation. Let us choose forgiveness over bitterness and pursue peace in all our relationships.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the value of love in restoring broken relationships. Instead of spreading gossip or holding on to grudges, we are encouraged to cover offenses with love and forgiveness.
True love seeks to mend relationships rather than widen the divide. May we choose to extend grace and understanding, seeking reconciliation and unity in our friendships and interactions with others.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of forgiveness in our relationships. Just as God has forgiven us, we are called to extend the same forgiveness to others, letting go of grudges and resentments.
Rather than holding on to past hurts, let us choose to bear with one another, showing patience and understanding. Forgiveness leads to healing and allows us to move forward in love and unity.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse challenges us to treat our neighbors with respect and generosity. When we belittle or mistreat others, we are acting in opposition to God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Instead, let us be known for our kindness and compassion towards those in need. By extending a helping hand and showing love to others, we reflect the heart of Christ and bring blessings to those around us.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This verse challenges us to rise above the temptation to retaliate or seek revenge when we are harmed. Instead, we are called to respond with blessings, unconditional love, and forgiveness.
This requires us to trust in God’s justice and surrender our desire for personal vengeance. By responding in love, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ’s love in our lives.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.”
This verse reminds us that vengeance belongs to God, and we should trust in His justice rather than taking matters into our own hands. When we have been wronged, our role is to pray for God’s guidance and wisdom in handling the situation.
Instead of seeking revenge, let us release our pain and hurt into God’s hands and allow Him to bring about justice and resolution in His perfect timing.
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
This verse challenges us to respond to those who have hurt us with acts of kindness and generosity. By extending love to our enemies, we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.
Our kind actions can lead to conviction and a change of heart in others. As Christians, let us choose love and compassion over bitterness and resentment and trust in God’s reward for our obedience.
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
This verse challenges us to extend love and goodness even to those who have hurt us. By doing so, we reflect the character and love of God.
As Christians, our ultimate goal is not to seek personal revenge or hold on to grudges but to imitate the kindness of our Heavenly Father, who offers grace and forgiveness to all, regardless of their actions.
1 Corinthians 6:7
“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”
This verse challenges us to prioritize forgiveness and reconciliation over legal battles and seeking our own justice. As Christians, we are called to embrace humility and be willing to be wronged for the sake of peace.
While it may be difficult to let go of our rights and desires for justice, we trust that God will bring about justice in His own way and in His own time.
Romans 14:19
“Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
This verse urges us to actively seek peace and pursue actions that build up others. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers in all our relationships.
Let us prioritize reconciliation, understanding, and unity over personal vindication or the need to be right. By doing so, we reflect the character of God and create an environment where love and grace can flourish.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
This verse reminds us to be intentional with our words, speaking with grace and wisdom. As Christians, our speech should be characterized by love, kindness, and respect.
By seasoning our conversations with salt, we add flavor and value to our interactions, making them more meaningful and impactful. May our words reflect the heart of Christ and lead others to Him.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This verse emphasizes the transformative power of kind and gracious words. Just as honey brings sweetness and healing, our words have the potential to uplift and bring comfort to others.
Let us choose our words carefully, speaking with love, encouragement, and empathy. By doing so, we have the power to bring healing and restoration to those who have been hurt.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
This verse is a prayer for God to guide and protect our speech. As Christians, we recognize our own limitations and seek God’s help in guarding our words from causing harm.
May we invite the Holy Spirit to be in control of our tongues, speaking with wisdom and discernment. Let us be mindful of the impact our words can have on others and strive to bring life and edification through our speech.
Titus 3:2
“to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of speaking well of others and treating them with gentleness and consideration. As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors of peace and harmony.
Instead of participating in gossip or tearing others down, let us focus on building up and encouraging one another. By demonstrating kindness and gentleness, we reflect the love of Christ to the world.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of restraint in our speech. Often, saying less is more prudent than over-communicating and potentially causing harm or escalating conflict.
As Christians, we should strive to exercise self-control and think before we speak, ensuring that our words are uplifting and beneficial to others. Let us value quality over quantity in our conversations.
Psalm 19:14
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
This verse expresses a heartfelt desire for our words and thoughts to align with God’s standards. As Christians, we recognize that our words have the power to either honor God or dishonor Him.
May we continuously seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our speech, asking God to purify our hearts and transform our thoughts, so that our words may bring glory and honor to Him.