Forgiveness can be challenging, especially when hurt is ongoing. The Bible provides insight on how to handle these situations with grace. Today, we’ll explore what God’s Word says about forgiveness in difficult circumstances.
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What Does The Bible Say About Forgiving Someone Who Continues To Hurt You
Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, even when someone continues to hurt us. Jesus teaches us that forgiveness should be limitless, just as God’s forgiveness is limitless towards us.
By forgiving others, we free ourselves from the burden of bitterness and resentment. It doesn’t mean that we ignore or condone the wrongdoing, but rather, we release the need for revenge and entrust justice to God.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
These verses encourage us to let go of negative emotions and replace them with kindness and forgiveness. Just as God forgave us through Christ’s sacrifice, we are called to extend the same forgiveness to others.
Choosing forgiveness breaks the cycle of resentment and fosters a spirit of compassion and understanding. It empowers us to build healthy relationships and promotes emotional healing for both parties involved.
Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
These verses challenge us to love and show kindness to those who continue to hurt us. Instead of retaliating or harboring grudges, we are called to respond with love and prayer.
This radical form of forgiveness not only demonstrates the power of God’s love, but it also has the potential to transform relationships and bring about reconciliation.
Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
Wisdom leads us to exercise patience and choose to overlook offenses. While it may be difficult, overlooking an offense can prevent unnecessary strife and help maintain peace.
Remembering that we are all imperfect and in need of forgiveness enables us to extend grace to others, even when they repeatedly hurt us.
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.
These words remind us to be patient with one another and forgive as we have been forgiven by the Lord. Forgiveness allows us to restore broken relationships and promote unity within the body of Christ.
When someone continues to hurt us, we can draw strength from the love and grace God has shown us, enabling us to extend the same forgiveness to others.
Luke 17:3-4
So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
These verses teach us that forgiveness is not tied to the number of offenses, but to the genuine repentance of the person who has hurt us. When someone acknowledges their wrongdoing and seeks forgiveness, we are called to forgive them, regardless of the frequency.
True forgiveness requires humility and a willingness to reconcile, leading to the restoration of trust and healing.
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Jesus challenges us to go beyond forgiveness and actively love and pray for our enemies. By doing so, we show them the transformative power of God’s love and open the door for reconciliation.
Choosing love over hatred breaks the cycle of hurt and animosity and reflects the selfless love that Jesus demonstrated on the cross.
Romans 12:20-21
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
These verses call us to respond to evil with good, even towards those who continue to hurt us. Showing kindness and meeting the needs of our enemies can create an opportunity for transformation and reconciliation.
Choosing to respond in this way reflects the character of Christ and invites God’s redemptive work into difficult relationships.
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.
Instead of retaliating, these verses encourage us to bless those who hurt us. By choosing to respond with kindness and forgiveness, we align ourselves with God’s plan for our lives and invite His blessings.
Overcoming the desire for revenge and showing grace and mercy reflects the transformation that God has worked within us and allows us to be a source of light and hope in the world.
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
These verses stress the importance of forgiveness in our relationship with God. When we harbor unforgiveness towards others, we hinder our own forgiveness and experience of God’s grace.
Recognizing the magnitude of forgiveness we have received from God should motivate us to extend the same forgiveness to others, even when they continue to hurt us.
Proverbs 17:9
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
These words remind us of the value in covering over offenses and promoting love and unity. Rather than dwelling on past hurts, we should choose to protect relationships and extend grace.
Gossip or repeatedly bringing up the offense only serves to damage relationships and create division, whereas forgiveness and love have the power to heal and restore.
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
These verses link our prayers to our willingness to forgive others. To experience the fullness of God’s forgiveness, we must be willing to forgive those who have wronged us.
By releasing the weight of unforgiveness, we open the channels of communication with God and invite His healing and restoration into 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.
These verses caution against seeking revenge when someone continues to hurt us. Instead, we are encouraged to trust in the Lord’s justice and wait for Him to bring about resolution.
Choosing forgiveness over revenge demonstrates our faith in God’s sovereignty and allows Him to work in the situation according to His perfect plan.
James 2:13
Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
These verses remind us of the importance of showing mercy and forgiveness, for we ourselves depend on God’s mercy. When we choose mercy over judgment, we reflect the character of Christ and experience the freedom that comes from extending grace to others.
By forgiving someone who continues to hurt us, we break the cycle of judgment and create an environment where healing and reconciliation can flourish.
Romans 12:17
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
These verses instruct us to refrain from seeking vengeance and instead focus on doing what is right and honorable. By responding with grace and forgiveness, we display the love of Christ to others.
Choosing to do what is right, even in the face of ongoing hurt, demonstrates our commitment to Christ and points others to His transformative power.
Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
These words spoken by Jesus on the cross exemplify the ultimate act of forgiveness. Despite the immense pain and betrayal He experienced, Jesus chose to forgive His executioners and intercede on their behalf.
This powerful example teaches us that forgiveness is not dependent on the remorse or understanding of the one who has hurt us, but rather, it is an act of obedience and love that reflects the heart of Christ.
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.
These verses urge us to prioritize reconciliation and forgiveness in our relationships. To truly worship God, we must actively seek to reconcile and mend broken relationships with those who have been hurt by us or have hurt us.
Forgiveness is not a mere expression of words but involves taking necessary actions to reconcile and restore peace, reflecting the heart of God.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
These words of Jesus highlight the importance of being peacemakers and actively pursuing reconciliation. When we choose forgiveness and work towards peace, we embody the characteristics of God’s children.
Forgiveness has the power to mend broken relationships, bridging the gap between us and others and glorifying God through our actions.
Romans 12:19
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
These verses remind us that vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to us. When we choose to forgive instead of seeking revenge, we demonstrate our trust in God’s ultimate justice.
Allowing God to deal with the actions and consequences of those who continue to hurt us frees us from the burden of seeking retaliation and invites His divine intervention in the situation.
Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us the importance of seeking forgiveness and extending forgiveness to others. Just as we rely on God’s forgiveness for our own sins, we are called to forgive those who have wronged us.
Remembering the vastness of God’s mercy and forgiveness motivates us to extend the same grace to others, even when they repeatedly hurt us.
Proverbs 14:21
Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
These verses encourage us to show kindness and generosity to others, even when they continue to hurt us. By doing so, we embody the compassion and love that God has shown us.
Choosing forgiveness over despising our neighbor allows us to overcome the negative impact of hurt and fosters an atmosphere of grace and healing.
1 Corinthians 13:5
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
These verses describe the characteristics of love, including the trait of not keeping a record of wrongs. When someone continues to hurt us, we are called to let go of the past and extend grace.
Choosing to release the record of wrongs helps us to move forward in forgiveness and allows love to triumph over hurt.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
These verses highlight the destructive nature of hatred and the transformative power of love. Instead of letting hatred fuel conflict, we are encouraged to cover over wrongs with love and forgiveness.
By choosing love over hatred, we break the cycle of hurt and open the door to reconciliation and restoration.
Luke 11:4
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.
In a similar vein to the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew, these verses emphasize the interconnectedness of receiving and extending forgiveness. Just as we rely on God’s forgiveness, we are called to forgive those who have wronged us.
Forgiving someone who continues to hurt us demonstrates our commitment to follow Christ’s example and aligns us with the heart of God.