How should I respond to those who hurt me?

Matthew 6:14-15“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Matthew 18:21-22Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

Mark 11:25“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

Luke 17:3-4“So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”

Luke 23:34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

Forgiveness is not an option; it is a command. Forgiveness is necessary for our own health and our relationship with God. Jesus gave us the perfect example of forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn’t mean we claim our hurts don’t exist or don’t matter, nor does forgiveness make everything all right. Forgiveness allows us to let go of the hurt and let God deal with the ones who hurt us. Forgiveness sets us free. Forgiveness allows us to move on with our lives. This way is not always easy, but forgiving others who have hurt us is the healthiest act we can do for ourselves.

Genesis 50:15, 19-21Now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said. . . . But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.

Proverbs 20:22Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

Luke 6:27-29“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.”

1 Peter 3:8-9Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

We should wait for the Lord to take care of matters his way. God wants us to respond with love and blessing rather than retaliation.

1 Corinthians 13:5It [love] does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

Colossians 3:13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

We can sometimes avoid being hurt by being less sensitive to others’ faults, offenses, and wrongs toward us. Every person is a flawed, broken human. Just as Christ forgave us, we also should forgive others.