The pain caused by hurting others, whether intentionally or unintentionally, is a heavy burden to bear. The Bible offers wisdom and guidance on how to address this issue, seek forgiveness, and mend relationships. Join us as we delve into verses that teach us about the consequences of our actions and the path to healing and reconciliation.
Also Study: Bible Verses About Soul Ties
Bible Verses About Hurting Others
Love your neighbor
As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors just as we love ourselves. This commandment is emphasized throughout the Bible and is rooted in the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 22:39, Jesus states, “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” This means that we are not only to treat others with respect and kindness, but also to genuinely care for their well-being.
In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus provides a powerful example of loving our neighbor through the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this story, a man is robbed and left injured on the side of the road. Several people pass by, but it is the Samaritan who stops to tend to his wounds and provides for his needs. The Samaritan shows compassion and goes above and beyond to care for someone in need, regardless of their background or social status. This teaches us that our love for our neighbors should extend to all people, regardless of their differences.
In Romans 13:9-10, the apostle Paul writes, “Love your neighbor as yourself… Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” This verse emphasizes that when we love our neighbors, we are acting in accordance with God’s law. Our love should not only be expressed through kind actions and words, but also by refraining from causing any harm or hurt.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
This verse reminds us to treat others with the same love and respect that we desire for ourselves. When we love our neighbors, we are less likely to hurt them.
Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
The Lord instructs us not to hold grudges or seek vengeance against our neighbors, but instead, to show them love.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Deep love for one another helps us to forgive and overlook the faults of others, reducing the likelihood of hurting them.
Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus challenges us to extend love even to our enemies, refusing to cause harm and instead offering prayers for their well-being.
Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
When we genuinely love our neighbors, we fulfill the entirety of God’s law, avoiding any hurtful actions towards them.
The tongue
The Bible offers numerous teachings on the power of the tongue and the importance of using our words wisely. Proverbs 18:21 states, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This verse highlights that the words we speak hold great influence and can either bring life and healing or cause harm and destruction.
In Ephesians 4:29, the apostle Paul writes, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This verse reminds us to use our words in a way that encourages and uplifts others rather than tearing them down. Our speech should be guided by kindness, love, and a desire to build up those around us.
Furthermore, Jesus teaches in Matthew 15:11, “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” This highlights the importance of guarding our tongues and ensuring that our words reflect our character as followers of Christ. It reminds us that our words have the potential to cause harm and defile ourselves and others if used carelessly or maliciously.
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
Our words have the power to either uplift and bring life or crush and hurt others. This verse encourages us to use our tongues to bring healing and encouragement.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
We are called to speak words that edify and benefit those who hear, refraining from hurtful or negative speech.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
The reckless use of our words can wound others deeply, but wise and thoughtful words have the power to bring healing to broken hearts.
James 3:5
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
This verse reminds us of the immense power our words possess and the potential for both good and evil that they hold.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
We must be careful with our words, as they can either breathe life into others or cause great harm. What we speak will ultimately affect our own lives.
Anger and Wrath
The Bible acknowledges that anger is a normal human emotion, but it also warns about the dangers of allowing anger to consume us and lead us to hurt others. In Ephesians 4:26-27, it says, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” This verse advises us to address our anger in a timely manner and avoid letting it fester, as holding onto anger can lead to bitterness, resentment, and destructive behavior.
In James 1:19-20, it is written, “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 verse reminds us of the importance of self-control and patience when dealing with anger. It encourages us to listen attentively, think before speaking, and avoid allowing our anger to drive us to hurt others.
Additionally, Proverbs 15:18 states, “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” This verse teaches us that responding to anger with kindness and gentleness can diffuse tense situations and promote reconciliation. It encourages us to seek peaceful resolutions rather than allowing our anger to escalate conflicts and cause harm to others.
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
When we allow anger and a quick temper to govern our actions, we often act foolishly and end up hurting others unintentionally.
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.”
Instead of allowing anger to take control, we are encouraged to be slow to anger and prioritize listening and understanding others.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to eliminate anger from our lives, preventing it from causing harm to others.
Proverbs 29:22
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
Allowing anger to control our actions often results in stirring up strife and causing a multitude of sins.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
By choosing wisdom and patience, we can choose to overlook offenses, preventing unnecessary harm and strife in our relationships.
Kindness and Forgiveness
Kindness and forgiveness are central to the teachings of Jesus and are emphasized throughout the Bible. In Ephesians 4:32, the apostle Paul writes, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This verse highlights the importance of treating others with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, mirroring the way God has shown us grace and forgiveness through Jesus.
Jesus himself teaches in 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 underscores the connection between forgiveness and receiving God’s forgiveness. It reminds us that refusing to forgive others not only harms them, but also hinders our relationship with God.
Furthermore, Jesus presents the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21-35, where a servant who was forgiven a great debt refuses to show the same forgiveness to another servant who owes him a smaller debt. This parable illustrates the importance of extending forgiveness to others, as we have been forgiven by God. It reinforces the idea that our response to being hurt should not be retaliation, but rather a heart of grace and mercy.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Being clothed in kindness helps us to treat others with gentleness and compassion, reducing the potential for causing harm.
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.”
Kindness and forgiveness go hand in hand, allowing us to let go of bitterness and avoid hurting others through anger and slander.
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.”
Showing kindness, even to our enemies, is an act that aligns us with God’s nature and prevents us from causing harm.
Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
When love and faithfulness are embedded in our hearts, they guide us to act kindly towards others, preserving their dignity and well-being.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
Love, characterized by its kindness and humility, helps us to refrain from causing harm and instead build up others.
Seeking Peace
As followers of Christ, we are called to actively seek peace and promote reconciliation. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This verse highlights the significance of pursuing peace in our relationships and interactions with others. It reminds us that as children of God, we have a responsibility to promote harmony and work towards resolution rather than perpetuating conflict.
In Romans 12:18, Paul advises, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This verse stresses the importance of doing our part in seeking peace. While some situations may be beyond our control, this verse encourages us to take personal responsibility for maintaining peaceful relationships to the best of our abilities.
Moreover, Jesus encourages reconciliation in Matthew 5:23-24, stating, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” This verse emphasizes the priority of seeking reconciliation and resolving conflicts before worshipping and coming before God. It highlights the importance of prioritizing peace and the restoration of relationships over personal offerings and rituals.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
We are called to actively seek peace and resolve conflicts, avoiding actions that would hurt others.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
We should make every effort to live in peace with others, ensuring that our actions do not contribute to harm or discord.
Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.”
Pursuing peace is an essential aspect of living a holy life, avoiding actions that would cause harm or division.
Proverbs 16:7
“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
When we live in a manner that brings pleasure to the Lord, He can intervene in our relationships to bring about peace, preventing potential harm.
James 3:18
“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
By actively pursuing peace, we can prevent harm and promote righteousness in our relationships.