Forgiving those who hurt us can be one of the hardest things to do. Today, we’ll explore how the Bible guides us in handling pain, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Bravery
What Does The Bible Say About People Who Hurt You
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of responding to those who hurt us with love and prayer. Instead of seeking revenge or harboring bitterness, Jesus calls us to show kindness and forgiveness to our enemies.
By praying for those who hurt us, we release the burden of anger and resentment and allow God’s love to work in our hearts. It is through this act of love that we can break the cycle of hurt and find healing and restoration.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of leaving justice in the hands of God. Instead of seeking personal vengeance, we are called to trust in God’s righteous judgment.
By surrendering our desire for revenge, we allow God to work in the hearts of those who have hurt us. It is through His justice and mercy that true healing and reconciliation can take place.
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 break the cycle of hurt by responding to evil with kindness and blessings. It is easy to retaliate when someone hurts us, but as Christians, we are called to respond differently.
By choosing to bless those who have harmed us, we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love. We acknowledge that our inheritance is not found in seeking revenge, but in following the example of Christ.
Luke 6:27
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
Jesus instructs us to go beyond merely tolerating our enemies and actively love them. We are called to show kindness and do good, even when faced with hate.
This verse challenges us to see our enemies not as obstacles or enemies, but as people who are in need of love and compassion. By extending love to those who hurt us, we reflect the transformative power of Christ’s love in our own lives.
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 encourages us to respond to our enemies with acts of kindness and generosity. Instead of seeking revenge, we are called to meet their needs and show them love.
By doing so, we demonstrate the power of Christ’s love to transform hearts. Our acts of kindness not only bring blessings upon ourselves, but they also have the potential to soften the hearts of our enemies and lead to 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.”
This verse stresses the importance of forgiveness in our relationships. When we choose to forgive those who hurt us, we open ourselves up to receive God’s forgiveness.
Forgiveness is not condoning or forgetting the offense, but it is releasing the person from the debt we feel they owe us. It is a way to free ourselves from the burden of anger and resentment, and it opens the door for healing and restoration.
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.”
This verse calls us to let go of negative emotions and attitudes that can hinder our ability to forgive. As followers of Christ, we are called to display kindness, compassion, and forgiveness towards one another.
When we hold onto bitterness and harbor negative thoughts, it hinders our ability to forgive and move forward. By allowing God’s forgiveness towards us to guide our actions, we can extend the same grace and mercy to those who have 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.”
In this verse, we are reminded of the call to patience and forgiveness in our relationships. We are encouraged to bear with one another and forgive, just as God forgave us in Christ.
This verse echoes the message of the Lord’s Prayer, “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Our willingness to forgive reflects the depth of our understanding and gratitude for God’s forgiveness in our own lives.
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.’
In this exchange between Peter and Jesus, we are reminded of the limitless nature of forgiveness. Jesus challenges Peter’s understanding of forgiveness by urging him to forgive without limits.
While the number seventy-seven is symbolic, Jesus emphasizes that forgiveness should not be limited. We are called to extend forgiveness to others repeatedly, just as God’s forgiveness is limitless in our own lives.
Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Jesus acknowledges that as His followers, we may face insults, persecution, and false accusations. However, He encourages us to find joy and gladness in the midst of these challenges.
This verse reminds us that our ultimate reward is not found in the approval or acceptance of others, but in the eternal promises of God. We can take comfort and find strength knowing that we are in the company of the prophets who faced similar opposition.
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.”
Paul advises us to resist the temptation to seek revenge and instead strive to live at peace with everyone. Our actions should be guided by what is right and just, even in the face of mistreatment.
While living in peace with everyone may not always be possible, we are called to do our part in promoting reconciliation and harmony. By responding with grace and seeking peace, we reflect the character of Christ and pave the way for healing.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This passage from the famous “love chapter” emphasizes the characteristics of love. When we are hurt by others, love encourages us to respond with patience, kindness, and forgiveness.
By embodying these qualities, we not only impact our relationships but also display the love of Christ to the world. Love has the power to transform our perspective and actions, enabling us to navigate through difficult situations with grace and understanding.
Psalm 34:17-18
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
This psalm assures us that God is attentive to our cries and delivers us from our troubles. When we are hurt by others, we can take comfort in knowing that God is near to the broken-hearted.
God’s presence and deliverance provide solace and strength in times of pain and betrayal. We can find refuge in Him and trust that He will bring healing and restoration to our wounded hearts.
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 encourages us to resist seeking revenge and instead wait for God to bring justice. It reminds us that God is the ultimate judge and will repay according to His righteousness.
By entrusting our hurts and grievances to God, we release ourselves from the burden of seeking vengeance. We can find peace and assurance in His promise to right every wrong and bring about justice in His perfect timing.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.”
God is the ultimate healer and the mender of our broken hearts. When we are hurt by others, we can find solace in His ability to bring healing and restoration.
By seeking God’s healing, we allow Him to work in our hearts and bring about emotional and spiritual wholeness. His love and grace are always available to mend our wounds and bring beauty from our pain.
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.”
Even while being crucified, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of forgiveness. He pleaded with the Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him, recognizing their ignorance and the power of forgiveness.
This verse serves as a powerful example for us to follow. It reminds us that forgiveness is possible even in the most extreme circumstances. By extending forgiveness to those who hurt us, we reflect the heart of Christ and His transformative power.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
This psalm offers comfort and assurance that God will sustain us when we are burdened and hurt. By casting our cares and concerns on Him, we find strength and stability.
God’s faithfulness and provision are unwavering, even in our darkest moments. In times of hurt, we can find solace in entrusting ourselves to His care and allowing Him to be our source of strength and stability.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
When we are hurt by others, Jesus invites us to find rest and solace in Him. He promises to give rest to those who are weary and burdened.
By taking His yoke upon us, we submit to His gentle and humble guidance, finding relief from the weight of the pain we carry. Jesus offers us a lighter burden, as He walks with us through our hurts and brings healing and restoration to our souls.
Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
This psalm reminds us to trust in God’s timing and not be consumed by thoughts of revenge or resentment. Instead, we are called to be still and patiently wait for the Lord to act.
It can be difficult to witness the success of those who have hurt us, but we can find peace and assurance in entrusting their actions to God. He knows the truth, and in due time, He will bring about justice and vindicate the righteous.
Psalm 109:4-5
“In return for my friendship, they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.”
When we are hurt by those we consider friends, it can be especially painful. This psalm expresses the sorrow and frustration we may feel when our good intentions are met with betrayal.
However, in the midst of the hurt, the psalmist finds solace in prayer. By bringing our pain and grievances before God, we find comfort and strength. He hears our cries and provides us with the support we need to navigate through difficult relationships.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This verse reminds us of God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring good out of even the most challenging circumstances. When we are hurt by others, we can trust that God is at work behind the scenes, weaving together a greater purpose.
While the pain may not immediately make sense, we can find comfort in knowing that God is in control and working all things for the good of His people. He is able to bring beauty from ashes and bring about redemption in our lives.