What To Do When Someone Hurts You
What To Do When Someone Hurts You
Lord, do I really need to be kind to someone who isn’t kind to me?
You have heard that the law says, “Love your neighbor” and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of mine.
Matthew 5:43-45
But how can I possibly love or pray for someone who has hurt me?
Never take revenge. Leave that to my righteous anger. I will take revenge; I will pay them back. Instead, if your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to me when I judge the world.
Romans 12:19-21; 1 Peter 2:12
What can I pray for those who have hurt me?
Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.
Luke 23:34
If there is someone in your life who seems impossible to love, begin by praying, “Lord, how do you want me to pray for this person?” Prayer keeps your focus on God and off retaliation or self-pity. Over time, God can change the posture of your heart toward this person. Whenever you feel hurt, pray. Whenever you feel betrayed, pray. Whenever you feel heartbroken, pray. Start praying for your enemies tonight. How can you remind yourself to continue to pray for them?
From the book
