We all come across people who take advantage of our kindness. It’s painful to realize someone is using you for their own gain, but recognizing the signs is the first step to setting boundaries and protecting yourself. Surround yourself with those who appreciate you for who you are.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Overweight
What Does The Bible Say About Those Who Use 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 use us with love and prayer, rather than seeking revenge or holding grudges.
By loving our enemies and praying for them, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ’s love in our lives and show them a different way of living.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of treating those who use us with kindness and generosity, even when they do not deserve it.
By doing good and extending grace to others, we reflect the character of God and experience the blessings that come from living in alignment with His will.
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 encourages us to respond to those who use us by meeting their needs and anticipating their welfare, even when it may be counterintuitive.
By displaying kindness and generosity, we have the opportunity to soften hearts and potentially lead our enemies to repentance and reconciliation.
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 reminds us not to react with retaliation or bitterness when others use us, but instead to respond with blessings and kindness.
By choosing to bless and not curse, we position ourselves to receive the blessings that God has promised to His children.
Proverbs 25:21
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”
This verse directs us to meet the basic needs of those who use us, demonstrating compassion and grace even in difficult situations.
By responding with practical care, we exemplify Christ-like love and have the potential to impact our enemies for good.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This verse reminds us that we have the power to triumph over evil by choosing to respond with goodness and righteousness.
By actively choosing good over evil, we break the cycle of harm and allow God’s transformative love to shine through us.
Psalm 109:4
“In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.”
This verse acknowledges the experience of being used and falsely accused by those we considered friends, but also affirms the power of prayer in challenging times.
By turning to God in prayer, we find comfort, strength, and wisdom to navigate difficult relationships with grace and forgiveness.
Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
This verse prepares us for the reality that we may encounter people who seek to use and exploit us, urging us to exercise wisdom and discernment in our interactions.
While we are called to be wise in dealing with such individuals, we must also maintain our purity of heart and integrity, reflecting Christ’s character in all situations.
Psalm 41:9
“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”
This verse portrays the betrayal and hurt that can arise when someone we once considered a close friend uses and turns against us.
In moments of betrayal, we can find solace in knowing that Jesus also experienced betrayal and understands our pain, becoming our ultimate source of comfort and healing.
Proverbs 19:23
“The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
This verse reminds us that when we trust in God and place our fear and reverence in Him, we can experience true life and rest, regardless of the troubles caused by those who use us.
Through our faith in God, we find peace and contentment, knowing that He is sovereign and will ultimately bring justice and redemption.
Psalm 27:10
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
This verse assures us that even if those closest to us abandon and use us, God will never reject or forsake us.
He welcomes us into His loving embrace, offering us comfort, healing, and restoration in the midst of our pain and brokenness.
Luke 9:25
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”
This verse challenges the notion that gaining worldly success and recognition is worth compromising one’s integrity and identity.
When faced with those who use us for personal gain, we are reminded to prioritize our eternal relationship with God and the preservation of our true selves in Christ.
Ephesians 6:7
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”
This verse encourages us to approach our interactions with those who use us by wholeheartedly serving them, not for their sake, but as an act of obedience to God.
By shifting our focus from the actions and motives of others to the service of the Lord, we are able to find joy and fulfillment in our willingness to love sacrificially.
Proverbs 14:21
“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
This verse reminds us that it is wrong to harbor contempt for those who use us, but rather, we should bless them with kindness and compassion.
By extending love and care to those in need, we align ourselves with God’s heart and experience the blessings that come from living according to His commands.
1 Corinthians 13:7
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
This verse teaches us that love is patient and enduring, enabling us to bear the burden of being used by others.
Through love, we are empowered to believe the best about people, maintain hope for restoration, and persevere in navigating challenging relationships.
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.”
This verse presents the golden rule as a guiding principle for our interactions with those who use us.
By treating others as we desire to be treated, we demonstrate Christ’s love and set an example of integrity, regardless of how others may treat us.
1 Peter 2:20
“But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”
This verse distinguishes between suffering as a consequence of our own wrongdoing and suffering for doing what is right.
When we respond to those who use us with patience and grace, even when it is difficult, we find favor in the eyes of God and demonstrate our commitment to righteousness.
Luke 17:3
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.”
This verse encourages us to maintain boundaries by addressing the wrongdoings of others, while also extending forgiveness to those who genuinely repent.
Through this process, we can seek healing and restoration in our relationships, without condoning or enabling the misuse of our time, resources, or emotions.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This verse reminds us to persevere in doing good, even when we feel tired or discouraged by those who continually use and take advantage of us.
By remaining steadfast in our commitment to Christ-like love, we can trust that God will bring forth blessings and rewards in due time.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This verse calls us to approach all tasks, including interactions with those who use us, with wholehearted dedication and service to God.
By shifting our focus from seeking approval or validation from people to seeking to honor God, we find joy and purpose in our actions, regardless of how others may treat us.
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 highlights the importance of forgiveness in our relationships, including those where we have been used and hurt.
By extending forgiveness to others, we embody the forgiveness and grace that God has shown us, and open the door for His forgiveness to flow into our own lives.
Jeremiah 17:10
“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”
This verse assures us that God sees and evaluates our hearts, motives, and actions, and promises to reward us accordingly.
While others may use and exploit us, knowing that God sees our integrity and righteous responses brings comfort, and assures us of His faithfulness in rewarding those who remain faithful to His ways.
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 calls us to resist the temptation to retaliate or seek revenge against those who use us, but instead to consistently pursue goodness and well-being for all.
By prioritizing the welfare of others, we break the cycle of harm and extend Christ’s love to those who may be unaware or unconcerned with their actions.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This verse reminds us that we can bring our burdens, anxieties, and pain caused by being used by others to the Lord, knowing that He cares deeply for us and desires to bring us comfort and healing.
God invites us to process our emotions and seek His guidance in navigating difficult relationships, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.