Today we will talk about Bible verses about those who hurt you. When we face hurt from others, whether it’s from friends, family, or even strangers, it can be tough to process those feelings. But, in these moments of pain, the Bible offers us nuggets of wisdom and guidance. We’re reminded that forgiveness and love are powerful forces that can heal our hearts. Instead of allowing bitterness to take root in our lives, we turn to Scripture to find solace and strength. Together, let’s explore these verses and understand how we can respond to hurt with grace and mercy.
Bible Verses About Those Who Hurt You
Finding Comfort in God’s Presence
In times when we feel hurt, we are reminded of God’s constant presence in our lives. It’s so easy to feel alone when we’ve been hurt by others, but God assures us that He is our refuge and comforter. In these moments, we can lean on Him, knowing that we are never truly alone. His infinite love and understanding can soothe our wounds and remind us of our worth. As we dive into these verses, let’s hold onto the truth that God is with us, offering strength when we need it most.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” – Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
Choosing Forgiveness
Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we’re called to do, especially when we’ve been hurt deeply. Yet, the Bible encourages us to forgive—not just for the other person’s benefit, but for our own. Harboring resentment only weighs us down further. By extending forgiveness, we not only free ourselves from that burden, but we also reflect the grace that God continually shows us. Let’s look at these verses that guide us on this treacherous, yet liberating path of forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
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.” – Colossians 3:13
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.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
Understanding the Source of Hurt
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded; be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” – 1 Peter 3:8
Seeking Strength for Healing
As we navigate hurt in our lives, it’s essential to recognize that healing is a journey, not a destination. We don’t have to walk this path alone; God is more than willing to walk with us every step of the way. He offers us the strength we need to endure and heal. We can lean on Him during these challenging times. Let’s read through some verses that remind us of His strength, encouraging us as we work through our feelings of hurt.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Psalms 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
Responding in Love
It’s easy to respond to hurt with anger or resentment, but the Bible teaches us a different way—responding in love. Loving our enemies and those who hurt us can seem like an impossible task, but with God’s help, we can strive to embody His love. This type of love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action we take toward others. Let’s dive into these verses that inspire us to response from a place of love rather than hurt.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
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.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
Praying for Healing
Prayer is a powerful tool, especially when we are dealing with hurt. It invites God into our situations and allows us to pour out our grievances and wounds to Him. Through prayer, we can seek healing not just for ourselves, but for those who have hurt us as well. Let’s explore how prayer plays an essential role in our healing in these verses that guide us on this important aspect of our faith journey.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” – James 5:16
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray continually.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Psalms 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4
Matthew 21:22
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:22
The Importance of Healthy Boundaries
While it’s important to forgive, it’s also crucial to set healthy boundaries with those who’ve hurt us. The Bible advocates for love and grace, but it doesn’t mean we should allow ourselves to be continuously harmed. We can love others while still protecting our hearts. Setting boundaries can be an act of love, both for ourselves and for those around us. Here are some biblical reflections on maintaining a healthy balance in our relationships.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Matthew 7:6
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” – Matthew 7:6
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
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.” – Galatians 5:13
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.” – Matthew 18:15
Learning to Trust Again
After being hurt, it’s natural to hesitate when it comes to trusting others. However, the Bible teaches us about the power of trust—not just in others, but also in God. We can take comfort in the fact that while human relationships can be broken, God’s love is perfect and steadfast. As we mend from our hurts, let’s explore the importance of rebuilding trust in healthy ways through these encouraging scriptures.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 56:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” – Proverbs 11:13
Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Final Thoughts
Life can sometimes be filled with hurts caused by others. However, in our journey, we can find great wisdom in God’s word that guides us on how to deal with these hurts. We are reassured that He is close to us in our pain and that we can find comfort in His presence. Through forgiveness, we free ourselves from the burden of resentment, and by praying and seeking healing, we invite God into our circumstances. Setting healthy boundaries, learning to trust again, and responding to hurt with love are crucial steps in our healing journey.
Let’s remember that everyone is on their journey, including ourselves. God is continually molding us into better versions of ourselves, even through painful moments. As we meditate on these scriptures, may we grow in grace, love deeply, and seek to encourage one another. Together, let’s support each other through healing while leaning on the everlasting love of Christ.
In every step we take, let’s be encouraged by the fact that our God is a God of restoration. He is committed to healing our hearts and helping us move forward, shining His light through us, even in times of hurt. Amen.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4