Hurt feelings are a part of life, and the Bible teaches us how to handle them with grace. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about healing and finding peace after being hurt.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Diversity Equity And Inclusion
What Does The Bible Say About Hurt Feelings
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse reminds us of the power of our words. When someone hurts our feelings, responding with a gentle and kind answer can diffuse the situation and prevent further conflict.
On the other hand, responding with harsh words can escalate the situation and deepen the hurt feelings. This verse encourages us to choose our words wisely and respond with love and understanding.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
When our feelings are hurt, we can find comfort in knowing that God is near. He sees our pain and is there to offer healing and restoration.
This verse reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is with us, ready to mend our broken hearts and bring us peace.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
When we experience hurtful words or actions from others, it can be challenging to respond with love and forgiveness. However, Jesus calls us to love even our enemies and to pray for those who hurt us.
This verse challenges us to rise above our hurt feelings and extend grace to others, trusting that God will work in their hearts as well as our own.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Forgiveness is an essential part of dealing with hurt feelings. This verse reminds us of God’s forgiveness towards us and urges us to extend that same forgiveness to others.
By choosing to be kind and compassionate, we can overcome our hurt feelings and foster an environment of love and reconciliation.
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.”
When someone hurts our feelings, it is tempting to hold onto grudges and grievances. However, this verse encourages us to bear with one another and to forgive, just as God has forgiven us.
Choosing to let go of our hurt feelings and extending forgiveness can bring healing and restore broken relationships.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
When someone hurts our feelings, spreading gossip or venting our grievances to others can further damage relationships and create division.
This verse reminds us to foster love by choosing to cover over offenses instead of dwelling on them or sharing them with others. By doing so, we can preserve the unity and closeness of our relationships.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
When someone’s actions or words have hurt our feelings, it can be beneficial to address the issue directly with them in a loving and gentle manner. This verse encourages us to seek reconciliation through open communication.
By addressing the issue privately, we give the other person an opportunity to understand the impact of their actions and work towards reconciliation.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
When our feelings are hurt, we can turn to God for healing and comfort. This verse reassures us that God is near to heal our broken hearts and bring restoration.
In times of hurt, we can find solace in knowing that God sees our pain and is ready to bring healing and wholeness to our emotions.
Proverbs 18:19
“A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.”
When our feelings are hurt, it can create a wall of defensiveness and stubbornness, making it difficult to resolve conflicts or reconcile.
This verse serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of allowing hurt feelings to fester. It encourages us to be open to reconciliation and breaking down the barriers that can arise from disputes.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
When we experience hurt feelings, it is essential to approach the situation with patience and humility. This verse reminds us to be slow to anger and quick to listen.
By practicing active listening and seeking to understand the other person’s perspective, we can navigate conflicts with grace and empathy.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
When our feelings are hurt, it can be tempting to respond with anger or resentment. However, this verse reminds us of the qualities of love that should characterize our actions.
By choosing patience, kindness, and forgiveness, we can navigate hurt feelings in a way that reflects the love of Christ.
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.”
When someone hurts our feelings, it can be challenging to respond with kindness and generosity. However, this verse instructs us to go beyond our natural inclination and extend love even to our enemies.
By responding with acts of kindness and meeting the needs of those who have hurt us, we can potentially bring about reconciliation and allow God to work in their hearts.
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.”
In the face of hurt feelings, it can be tempting to repay evil with evil. However, this verse encourages us to respond with good and overcome evil with acts of kindness.
By choosing to respond with love, we can break the cycle of hurt and resentment and foster an environment of healing and reconciliation.
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.”
Forgiveness is a powerful act that can bring freedom and healing. This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiving others, knowing that God’s forgiveness towards us is contingent on our willingness to extend forgiveness to others.
By choosing to forgive those who have hurt us, we not only experience the freedom that comes with forgiveness but also open ourselves up to experiencing the depth of God’s forgiveness in our own lives.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
When our feelings are hurt, it can be easy to develop negative feelings towards the person who hurt us. However, this verse reminds us to resist the temptation to despise our neighbor and instead choose generosity.
By responding with generosity and kindness towards others, even when we are hurt, we align ourselves with God’s heart and experience His blessings in our lives.
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.”
When we experience hurt feelings, responding with love and kindness towards those who have hurt us may seem counterintuitive. However, Jesus instructs us to love even our enemies and to go beyond mere tolerance.
This verse challenges us to actively seek the good of those who have caused us pain and to pray for their wellbeing. By doing so, we reflect the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
When our feelings are hurt, it is easy to respond with words that can further damage relationships and escalate conflicts. This verse serves as a reminder to seek the Lord’s guidance in our speech.
By asking God to guard our mouths and watching over what we say, we can cultivate an atmosphere of love, understanding, and reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:26
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
When our feelings are hurt, it is natural to feel anger. However, this verse urges us not to let our anger lead us into sin but to address the issue before the day ends.
By addressing hurt feelings promptly and seeking resolution, we can prevent bitterness and resentment from taking root in our hearts.
Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”
When our feelings are hurt, the words we choose to speak can either further wound or bring healing. This verse reminds us of the power of speaking words that are appropriate and uplifting.
By choosing our words carefully and speaking with love and kindness, we can bring comfort and restoration to the hurting hearts around us.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
When our feelings are hurt, it is easy to let negative emotions and hurtful words consume us. This verse admonishes us to let go of anger, malice, and slander.
Choosing to rid ourselves of such harmful attitudes and behaviors allows us to create an environment of love, understanding, and healing.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
When we experience hurt feelings, it can be challenging to respond with love and grace. However, this verse encourages us to prioritize love and to extend it generously, even in the face of hurt.
By choosing to love deeply, we can pave the way for healing and reconciliation, allowing love to cover over the offenses that have caused us pain.
Proverbs 29:11
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
When our feelings are hurt, it is tempting to give full vent to our anger and frustration. However, this verse cautions against such actions and encourages us to respond with wisdom and calmness.
By choosing to bring calm rather than adding fuel to the fire, we can navigate conflicts and hurt feelings in a way that fosters understanding and resolution.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
When our feelings are hurt, it can be overwhelming and burdensome. This verse reminds us to cast our cares on the Lord, knowing that He will sustain us and provide strength.
By entrusting our pain and hurt to God, we can find solace and peace even in the midst of difficult emotions.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
When we are hurt, it is natural to desire justice or revenge. However, this verse encourages us to trust in the Lord’s timing and justice instead of taking matters into our own hands.
By surrendering our hurt and desire for vengeance to God, we can find peace and allow Him to work on our behalf.
Psalm 27:10
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
When our feelings are hurt, it can feel as though we have been abandoned or rejected. However, this verse reassures us of God’s unfailing love and acceptance.
Even in moments of deep hurt, we can find comfort in knowing that God is always there to receive us and heal our wounded hearts.