Feeling used by others can be painful and disheartening. The Bible offers wisdom on boundaries, respect, and discernment in relationships. Join me as we discuss what the Scriptures say about the experience of being used and how to navigate these situations.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About hands
What Does The Bible Say About people using you
Matthew 5:40
“And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.”
This verse highlights Jesus’ teaching on responding to being taken advantage of. It encourages a selfless and generous attitude, demonstrating that we should be willing to go above and beyond even when others mistreat or use us.
It reminds us that the way we respond to being used by others can be a powerful testimony of our faith and a reflection of Christ’s love in us.
Luke 6:30
“Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.”
In this verse, Jesus instructs us to respond to being used or taken advantage of with a spirit of generosity and selflessness. It challenges our natural inclination to seek justice or hold onto our possessions.
By choosing to give and not demand what is rightfully ours, we demonstrate a trust in God’s provision and show love and care towards those who may use us.
Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Jesus cautions His disciples that they will encounter people who may take advantage of them or seek to harm them. He encourages them to be both wise in their dealings with others and to maintain their purity and innocence.
This verse reminds us that while we need to be aware of people’s motives and actions, we should also strive to maintain our integrity and trust in God’s guidance.
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.”
The famous “Love Chapter” provides a powerful reminder of the characteristics of true love. It encourages us to love others selflessly and without seeking personal gain.
In the context of people using us, this verse reminds us to respond with love and grace, refusing to dishonor or hold onto resentment towards those who may take advantage of us.
Matthew 20:28
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus sets the ultimate example of selflessness and sacrificial love. He came to serve and give His life for others, even those who would use and reject Him.
This verse challenges us to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, responding to being used by turning the situation into an opportunity to serve and display Christ-like love.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of humility and selflessness in our relationships with others. Rather than seeking our own interests, we are called to prioritize the well-being of others above ourselves.
In the face of being used, this verse reminds us to respond with humility and a genuine concern for the needs and interests of those who may take advantage of us.
2 Corinthians 12:15
“So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?”
Paul expresses his willingness to give and sacrifice for the Corinthians, even if it means being used or taken advantage of. His primary motivation is love, not expecting anything in return.
This verse challenges us to examine our own motives and to love others sacrificially, regardless of how they may treat us.
Romans 12:17-21
“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… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Paul encourages believers to respond to mistreatment or exploitation by refusing to seek revenge or repay evil with evil. Instead, we are called to pursue peace and respond with good.
This verse reminds us that our actions should reflect the love and grace we have received from God, even when faced with the actions of those who may use us.
Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
These verses highlight the importance of maintaining unity and peace in relationships. It encourages us to approach challenging situations with humility, patience, and a commitment to love and reconcile.
When faced with being used by others, this verse encourages us to respond with a Christ-like attitude, seeking unity and peace, even if it may require personal sacrifice.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
This proverb emphasizes the value of wisdom and patience in navigating relationships. Sometimes, it is beneficial to choose to overlook offenses and not hold onto resentment.
In the context of being used, this verse challenges us to exercise wisdom and discernment, knowing when to forgive and overlook actions that may be hurtful or exploitative.
1 Peter 2:21-23
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
Peter points to Jesus as our ultimate example of responding to mistreatment. Christ remained blameless, even in the face of insults and suffering, entrusting Himself to God’s justice.
This passage challenges us to follow Jesus’ example, displaying grace and trust in God’s sovereignty when facing situations where we may be used or mistreated.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Paul reminds believers that our freedom in Christ should be expressed through serving others in love, rather than seeking personal gratification or selfish gain.
When faced with being used, this verse calls us to respond with a humble and serving heart, imitating Christ’s selflessness in our relationships.
Colossians 3:13-14
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Paul encourages believers to bear with one another and extend forgiveness, just as God has forgiven us through Christ. He emphasizes the centrality of love in maintaining unity and harmony.
In the context of being used, this verse challenges us to respond with a heart of forgiveness and to prioritize love, seeking to restore broken relationships and cultivate genuine unity.
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.”
Paul encourages believers to respond to mistreatment or hostility with acts of kindness and love. He highlights that by doing so, we can potentially bring conviction and reconciliation.
This verse challenges us to not succumb to bitterness or vengefulness but to overcome evil with good, demonstrating Christ’s transformative love even to those who may use us.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
Paul reminds believers to resist the temptation to seek retaliation or repay wrong with wrong. Instead, we are called to pursue what is good and beneficial for others.
In the face of being used, this verse challenges us to choose a higher path, responding with acts of kindness and goodness, even when it may be difficult or undeserved.
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.”
In one of His teachings, Jesus calls His followers to exhibit radical love and kindness, not only to those who are friendly but even to enemies and those who mistreat them.
This verse challenges us to respond to being used or mistreated with a Christ-like love that seeks the well-being and redemption of those who hurt us.
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.”
Often referred to as the Golden Rule, this verse encapsulates the essence of how we should treat others. It calls us to treat others with the same kindness, respect, and fairness we desire for ourselves.
In the context of being used, this verse challenges us to examine our own actions and motivations, ensuring that we are treating others as we would want to be treated, irrespective of how they may treat us.
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.”
Jesus teaches the radical concept of loving and doing good even to enemies or those who misuse us. He points out that this aligns us with the character of God who shows kindness to all, regardless of their actions.
This verse challenges us to love and serve others without seeking personal gain or reciprocity, trusting that God sees and rewards our obedience.
Proverbs 22:4
“Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
This proverb highlights the value of humility and reverence towards God. It leads to spiritual blessings, honor, and a meaningful life.
In the context of being used, this verse reminds us to approach situations with humility, knowing that God sees and rewards our integrity, even when others may take advantage of 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.”
Peter encourages believers to respond to mistreatment with blessings instead of retaliation. He reminds us that we were called to bless others, even in the face of evil.
When faced with being used, this verse challenges us to respond with kindness and blessings, recognizing that in doing so, we are aligning ourselves with God’s purposes and promises.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:”
David’s psalm encourages us to place our trust in God and commit our lives and circumstances to Him. He assures us that God will work on our behalf.
When dealing with being used by others, this verse reminds us to lean on God’s wisdom and guidance, trusting that He will bring justice and resolution in His perfect timing.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This comforting verse assures us of God’s presence, strength, and support in difficult times. It reminds us that we can face any situation, even being used by others, with confidence in His faithfulness.
In the midst of being mistreated or taken advantage of, we can find solace and strength in knowing that God is with us and will sustain us.
Romans 12:9
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of genuine and sincere love. He encourages believers to abhor evil and to hold fast to what is good.
When faced with being used or exploited, this verse challenges us to remain anchored in love and to reject any actions or attitudes that are contrary to God’s goodness.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Paul highlights the value of giving willingly and cheerfully, without feeling coerced or obligated. He emphasizes that God delights in a generous heart.
In the face of being used, this verse encourages us to respond with a cheerful and willing heart, freely giving and serving others, knowing that our ultimate reward comes from God.