When Hurt By Someone Close to You

January 1, 2008

Recently, I was deeply hurt by someone close to me: My immediate reaction was anger. Then grief. Then disappointment. And then wounded pride. I had expected so much more in the relationship! And because I hate pain, I wanted to:

1. Run from it
2.  Criticize the person inflicting the pain
3.  Pout - Have a pity party!

In other words, do anything to get rid of the pain.

Such reactions are not condoned in Scriptures. Rather, we are to respond with:

Compassion (Matthew 9:13, 36; Mark 1:41; Luke 6:36; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 3:8)

Kindness (Proverbs 14:21; Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:34, 35; 1 Corinthians 13:4; 2 Peter 1:7)

Humility (Isaiah 57:15; 66:2; Matthew 5:3)

Patience (2 Tim 3:10; 4:2; Eph 4:2; Col 1:11)

Gentleness (James 3:13; Titus 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 6:11; Ephesians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 10:1)

And we are to:

 

1. Bear (literally, endure) the pain inflicted upon us.
2. Forgive the person - even when they keep sticking it to us:

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. (Luke 17:4)

Here's how the Apostle Paul put it:

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Colossians 3:12-13)

For example, Jesus, in his dying breath uttered ..."Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:24).

And Stephen, as they were crushing in his skull with rocks whispered, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." (Acts 7:60b)

We all know brittle, sour prune-types that stink with anger and bitterness. And that's where we are headed unless we embrace the spirit of Jesus and Stephen. So let's make a decision today: That by His grace we will allow no one to ruin our life. And we will accomplish this unmatched act by choosing to be the very picture of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance and forgiveness.

-Facts of the Matter

 

Related Articles

« Back to Articles