Dealing with people who hurt us can test our faith and patience. Today, we’ll uncover what the Bible says about responding to hurt with grace, forgiveness, and wisdom.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Hearing God
What Does The Bible Say About Those Who Hurt You
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”
This verse teaches us to respond to those who hurt us with love and prayer. It is a reminder that we are called to show kindness and extend forgiveness, even to those who have wronged us.
By loving our enemies and praying for them, we can release the burden of resentment and anger, allowing God’s peace to reign in our hearts and fostering the possibility of reconciliation.
Luke 6:28
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of responding to mistreatment with blessings and prayers. It encourages us not to retaliate or hold grudges, but to seek God’s best for those who hurt us.
By choosing to bless and pray for those who curse or mistreat us, we align ourselves with God’s heart and choose the path of healing and restoration, both for ourselves and for the ones who have hurt us.
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.”
This passage advises against seeking revenge or reacting with evil when faced with harm. It encourages us to strive for righteousness and to pursue peace with all people.
Although it may not always be possible to reconcile with those who hurt us, we are called to do our part in maintaining peace by choosing to respond with kindness, forgiveness, and a commitment to righteousness.
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 passage reminds us to let go of negative emotions and attitudes that can arise from being hurt, such as bitterness, rage, and malice. Instead, we should choose to cultivate kindness, compassion, and forgiveness towards others.
By imitating Christ’s forgiveness towards us, we not only release ourselves from the burden of holding onto grudges but also create opportunities for healing and restoration in our relationships.
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 proverb teaches us to respond to our enemies with acts of kindness. By meeting their needs, we display love and compassion, potentially melting their hardened hearts and leading them towards repentance.
Although our kindness should not be driven by manipulation, but rather by genuine love and obedience to God, there is an acknowledgment that our actions can bring conviction and lead to transformation.
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 echoes the idea of not retaliating with evil or insults when faced with harm. Instead, we are urged to respond with blessings, recognizing that we are called to a higher standard of conduct.
Choosing to repay evil with blessings not only breaks the cycle of harm but also positions us to receive blessings from God as we faithfully obey His command to love our enemies.
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 emphasize the importance of forgiveness in our lives. They remind us that as recipients of God’s forgiveness, we are also called to extend forgiveness to others.
Choosing to forgive those who have hurt us not only releases them from the debt we hold against them but also opens the door for our own spiritual healing and restoration in our relationship with God.
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.”
This verse urges us to bear with one another and extends forgiveness to those who have wronged us. It reminds us that just as the Lord forgave us, we should extend the same grace and mercy to others.
By choosing forgiveness, we can cultivate an atmosphere of love and unity, breaking down barriers and promoting reconciliation in our relationships.
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’”
These are Jesus’ words as He was being crucified. He exemplified forgiveness even in the midst of intense suffering and betrayal.
Through His forgiveness, Jesus demonstrated the depth of God’s love and His desire for reconciliation. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness in our own lives and relationships.
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 encourages us to resist the temptation to seek revenge when we are hurt. Instead, we are to trust in God’s justice, knowing that He will ultimately bring about justice and judgment.
By surrendering our desire for retaliation to God, we free ourselves from the burden of vengeance and allow Him to work in His ways and timing, confident that His justice will prevail.
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 response to Peter’s question about forgiving others, Jesus emphasizes the need for unlimited forgiveness. He challenges us to extend grace and forgiveness without limit, mirroring God’s boundless forgiveness towards us.
Jesus’ teaching urges us to develop a forgiving heart and a willingness to continually extend forgiveness, recognizing that ongoing forgiveness is an essential aspect of our Christian walk.
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.”
This verse challenges our instinct to retaliate or seek revenge when faced with harm. Instead, it calls us to respond with a heart of non-violence and to willingly bear the impact of the harm.
By turning the other cheek, we emulate Jesus’ example of self-sacrificial love and create opportunities for reconciliation, breaking the cycle of violence and contributing to a more peaceful world.
1 Corinthians 13:5
“Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
This verse from the famous “love chapter” of the Bible reminds us of the attributes of love. It highlights that love does not keep a record of wrongs but chooses to forgive and let go of past hurts.
By embracing love in our relationships, we cultivate an environment of acceptance, grace, and forgiveness, extending towards others the same mercy and kindness that God has shown us.
Psalm 37:8-9
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”
This psalm advises us to refrain from anger and to trust in the Lord rather than allowing ourselves to be consumed by resentment and thoughts of revenge.
By placing our hope in the Lord, we find the strength and guidance to navigate through difficult situations, knowing that ultimately, justice will prevail and those who have caused harm will face consequences.
Matthew 5:46-47
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
Jesus’ words challenge us to extend love and forgiveness beyond our natural inclination to only show kindness to those who treat us well.
By loving those who hurt us, we exhibit the transformative power of God’s love in action, demonstrating a love that goes beyond societal norms and expectations.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the LORD, and He will avenge you.”
This proverb encourages us not to take matters into our own hands when we are wronged but to trust in the Lord’s justice and timing.
Waiting for God to bring about justice allows us to focus on our own personal growth, healing, and extending forgiveness, knowing that God is ultimately in control and will right the wrongs done to 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.”
This verse admonishes us not to retaliate with wrongdoing when we are mistreated. Instead, it encourages us to pursue what is good for others, even those who have hurt us.
Choosing to do good rather than seeking revenge allows us to break the cycle of harm, foster healing, and display the transformative power of Christ’s love in action.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This proverb highlights the importance of covering offenses with love, rather than dwelling on and spreading the hurtful actions of others.
By choosing not to repeat or broadcast the wrongs done to us, we protect relationships and create an environment conducive to forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
This passage encourages us to exercise self-control, especially in the face of provocation and mistreatment. It highlights the importance of listening attentively, being slow to speak, and slow to anger.
By adopting an attitude of patience, understanding, and empathy, we allow God’s righteousness to manifest through our responses, fostering healthy communication and potential reconciliation.
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 echoes the teaching from Proverbs 25:21-22, urging us to respond to our enemies’ needs with acts of kindness.
By choosing to show love and meet the physical needs of those who have hurt us, we create opportunities for transformation and repentance, and perhaps, even reconciliation.
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 wrongs us, this verse instructs us to address the issue privately with them. It encourages open communication and aims for reconciliation.
By approaching the offender with grace and a desire for resolution, we create an opportunity for mutual understanding, healing, and restoration of the relationship.
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.’”
This passage emphasizes the importance of rebuking those who have wronged us and being willing to forgive them when they repent.
It challenges us to have a forgiving heart that goes beyond human limits, mirroring God’s boundless forgiveness towards us and allowing for reconciliation and restoration in our relationships.
Proverbs 25:21
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”
This proverb echoes the teachings of Jesus regarding responding to those who hurt us with acts of kindness and meeting their physical needs.
By choosing to show love and care towards our enemies, we display the transformative power of Christ’s love, potentially breaking down the barriers that separate us and fostering healing and reconciliation.