Forgiving those who hurt us is one of the hardest commands in Scripture, especially when the harm continues. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible teaches about forgiveness, setting boundaries, and seeking God’s strength to navigate challenging relationships.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Unhappy At Work
What Does The Bible Say About Someone Who Continually Hurts You?
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This verse reminds us that even when someone continually hurts us, we are called to respond with love and prayers. It challenges us to rise above our natural instincts of anger and retaliation, and instead choose forgiveness and compassion.
By loving our enemies and praying for them, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ’s love in our lives. It is through this love that we are able to break the cycle of hurt and find healing for ourselves and our relationships.
Luke 6:28
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
In moments when we are continually hurt by someone, this verse reminds us to respond with blessings and prayers instead of holding onto bitterness or seeking revenge. It encourages us to extend grace and kindness, even to those who do not treat us well.
By choosing to bless and pray for those who curse and mistreat us, we reflect the character of Christ and allow His love to flow through us. It may not always be easy, but through this act of obedience, we open the door for reconciliation and new beginnings.
Romans 12:20
“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.”
This verse challenges us to respond to continual hurt by actively seeking ways to meet the needs of our enemies. Rather than harboring resentment, we are instructed to demonstrate kindness and generosity.
By choosing to feed and give drink to those who hurt us, we show them the love and grace of Christ. This act of kindness has the potential to convict and bring about a change of heart in our enemies, leading to redemption and reconciliation.
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 the face of continual hurt, this verse reminds us of the necessity of forgiveness. Jesus teaches us that forgiveness should be offered generously and without limits.
By continually extending forgiveness, we release ourselves from the burden of holding onto resentment and allow God’s healing to take place. It is through forgiveness that we can find healing and restoration, both for ourselves and for the relationship with the person who continually hurts us.
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 emphasizes the importance of letting go of negative emotions and attitudes when we are continually hurt. Instead of harboring bitterness and seeking revenge, we are called to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.
By imitating the forgiveness we have received from God through Christ, we pave the way for reconciliation and healing in our relationships. It is through acts of kindness and compassion that we can break free from the cycle of hurt and build bridges of love and understanding.
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 moments of continual hurt, this verse encourages us to bear with one another and extend forgiveness. It emphasizes the need for patience, understanding, and mercy when dealing with those who continually hurt us.
By forgiving others as we have been forgiven by the Lord, we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love in our lives. Through forgiveness, we can break the chains of resentment and bitterness, allowing healing and restoration to 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 respond to continual hurt with goodness and blessings rather than seeking retaliation. It reminds us that our ultimate calling is to inherit blessings and not perpetuate a cycle of evil.
By choosing to bless instead of retaliating when we are hurt, we break the cycle of negativity and create opportunities for reconciliation and personal growth. It is through our Christ-like responses that we can reflect the transforming power of God’s love.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
When someone continually hurts us, this verse advises us to foster love by covering over their offense instead of spreading it or seeking revenge. It highlights the importance of maintaining strong relationships by choosing not to dwell on the hurt.
By refusing to repeat the matter and instead covering it with love, we create an environment of trust and forgiveness. This allows for healing and the potential for reconciliation, preserving the bond of friendship and love.
Luke 6:27
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
In the face of consistent hurt, this verse instructs us to respond with unconditional love and kindness. Rather than retaliating or harboring bitterness, we are called to actively do good to those who hate us.
By choosing love over hate, we break the cycle of hurt and open the door to potential transformation in the hearts of our enemies. It is through acts of love that we demonstrate the unconditional love of Christ and pave the way for reconciliation and healing.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
In moments of continual hurt, this verse reminds us of the power of a gentle and compassionate response. Instead of responding with anger or harsh words, we are encouraged to choose a gentle answer that diffuses the situation and promotes understanding.
By responding in a gentle manner, we avoid further escalating the conflict and create an opportunity for reconciliation. It is through our words and actions that we can influence the atmosphere and potentially change the dynamics of the relationship.
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.”
In the face of ongoing hurt, this verse highlights the importance of forgiveness. It reminds us that our own forgiveness hinges on our willingness to extend forgiveness to others.
By choosing to forgive those who continually hurt us, we align ourselves with the heart of God and open ourselves up to receive His forgiveness and grace. It is through the act of forgiveness that we can experience freedom and restoration in our own lives.
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
In moments of continual hurt, this verse offers comfort and reassurance that God is with us. It reminds us that even in the midst of pain and difficulty, we can find solace and strength in His presence.
By leaning on God’s guidance and comfort, we are able to navigate through the darkest valleys of our lives. It is through our faith in Him that we can find the courage to persevere and overcome the hurt that comes our way.
Matthew 5:39
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
In the face of continual hurt, this verse challenges us to resist the natural urge to retaliate or seek revenge. Rather than responding in kind, we are called to turn the other cheek and choose a non-violent and peaceful course of action.
By responding in a non-resistant manner, we exhibit the radical love and gentleness of Christ. This approach has the potential to disarm our enemy and create opportunities for reconciliation and transformation.
Romans 12:17
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
In moments of ongoing hurt, this verse exhorts us to resist the temptation to repay evil with evil. Instead, we are urged to do what is right and to act in a manner that is honorable and upright in the eyes of others.
By choosing not to mirror the hurt we have received, we break the cycle of negativity and display the transformative power of Christ in our lives. Our actions have the potential to influence others and create an atmosphere of grace and forgiveness.
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.”
This verse provides a blueprint for how we should respond to continual hurt, emphasizing the transformative power of love. It reminds us that love is patient, kind, and selfless, and it does not hold grudges or seek its own interests.
By embodying these qualities of love, we are able to rise above the hurt and choose grace and forgiveness. Love has the power to bring healing and reconciliation, and it is through love that we can overcome the challenges presented by those who continually hurt us.
Matthew 5:46
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? “
When faced with continual hurt, this verse challenges us to go beyond the natural response of loving those who love us in return. It prompts us to love even those who continually hurt us, knowing that true love goes beyond reciprocity.
By choosing to love our enemies, we demonstrate the radical love of Christ and embody His transformative power. In doing so, we have the opportunity to break down barriers, promote healing, and pave the way for reconciliation.
Luke 10:27
“He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
In moments of ongoing hurt, this verse serves as a reminder of the two greatest commandments. It emphasizes the importance of loving God wholeheartedly and loving our neighbors, including those who continually hurt us.
By choosing to love, we align ourselves with God’s heart and allow His love to flow through us. It is through this love that we can navigate the challenges of hurt and foster reconciliation and healing in 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 continually hurts us, this verse encourages us to address the issue directly with them in a spirit of love and humility. It promotes open communication and seeks reconciliation rather than harboring bitterness.
By addressing the fault in a gentle and loving manner, we create opportunities for understanding and growth. It is through this process that we can potentially win the person over and restore the relationship.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
When we are continually hurt by someone, this verse reminds us of the fruit of the Spirit that should manifest in our lives. It highlights the importance of displaying love, peace, kindness, and self-control in our response.
By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, we can overcome the hurt and respond with grace and forgiveness. The fruit of the Spirit enables us to transcend our human instincts and reflect the character of Christ in our relationships.
Matthew 6:15
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
In moments of continual hurt, this verse emphasizes the significance of forgiveness. It reminds us that our own forgiveness hinges on our willingness to extend forgiveness to others.
By choosing to forgive those who continually hurt us, we walk in obedience to God and position ourselves to receive His forgiveness. Through the act of forgiveness, we can experience freedom and healing in our own lives.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
When faced with ongoing hurt, this verse cautions against seeking personal revenge or harboring thoughts of retaliation. It encourages us to trust in the Lord’s justice and timing instead of taking matters into our own hands.
By relinquishing the desire for revenge, we choose to place our trust in God, knowing that He will bring about justice in His perfect timing. This allows us to focus on the healing and restoration that comes through forgiveness and reconciliation.
Matthew 5:43-45
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
In moments when we are continually hurt, this verse challenges us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. It reminds us that by doing so, we reflect the character of God and demonstrate our identity as His children.
By choosing to love and pray for those who hurt us, we open the door for God’s transformative work in their lives. Through our actions, we can break down barriers and create pathways for reconciliation and healing.
Proverbs 24:29
“Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.'”
In the face of continual hurt, this verse discourages us from seeking revenge or retaliating in kind for the wrongs done to us. It calls us to rise above our natural instincts of retaliation and instead choose a different path.
By resisting the temptation to “pay them back,” we break the cycle of hurt and create space for healing and reconciliation. It is through forgiveness and compassion that we can find freedom and restoration in our relationships.
1 Peter 2:23
“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.”
When faced with ongoing hurt, this verse points to the example of Jesus and His response to insults and suffering. It highlights Jesus’ refusal to retaliate and His trust in God’s justice.
By following Jesus’ example, we learn to entrust ourselves to God, knowing that He sees and judges all things. This allows us to let go of the need for revenge and focus on the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation.