“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” – Proverbs 25:21
bible verses about being hurt by friends
Understanding Friendship
Friendship is a cherished gift from God, but it can sometimes bring pain and disappointment. We have all experienced moments where we felt let down or hurt by those we thought were closest to us. The Bible teaches us about the importance of friendship, how we should treat our friends, and how to forgive when wronged. God desires us to cultivate strong, meaningful relationships but also reminds us that no person is perfect. Therefore, as we navigate our friendships, we must extend grace and understanding towards others, just as we hope they would do for us.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” – Proverbs 27:6
1 John 4:7
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24
When Friends Let Us Down
Feeling hurt by friends is a painful experience, and it can leave us feeling alone in our struggle. We are not alone in this; even in the Bible, we see how friendships sometimes faltered and led to heartache. When we face disappointment from friends, we must remember that God remains our constant support. The Bible helps us to process our feelings of hurt and teaches us how to forgive, allowing healing to take place. We can turn to God in prayer and seek His guidance on how to reconcile our emotions and relationships.
Psalm 55:12-14
“For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.” – Psalm 55:12-14
Proverbs 25:19
“Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.” – Proverbs 25:19
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Luke 6:31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” – Luke 6:31
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” – Matthew 18:21-22
Finding Forgiveness
Forgiveness can be one of the most challenging aspects of any relationship. When friends hurt us, we often carry that pain for a long time. However, we are called to forgive, just as God forgave us. Choosing to forgive does not mean that we forget the hurt, but rather, we let go of the hold it has on our hearts. The Bible provides us with examples and instructions on how to embrace forgiveness, reminding us that it is beneficial for our souls and our relationships. We can pray for a heart that is willing to forgive and for the strength to heal.
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
Mark 11:25
“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Luke 17:3-4
“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” – Luke 17:3-4
Healing from Hurt
After experiencing hurt from friends, we must seek healing for our hearts. God understands our pain and promises to comfort us during difficult times. In our healing journey, prayer, and scripture can be powerful tools. We can lean on God’s word to find peace and strength. It is essential for us to share our feelings with God and, if needed, with trusted individuals who can support us in our healing process. God desires for us to be whole and free from the burdens we carry.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” – Hebrews 13:5
Jeremiah 30:17
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 30:17
Choosing Love Over Hurt
Love is a choice we make, even when our hearts have been hurt. This unwavering love is God’s command for us, and it signifies strength and resilience. Choosing love means that despite the pain inflicted by friends, we are willing to give our hearts another chance. We are called to love not just in good times but also when the tides are tough. The scriptures remind us to embody this love and show compassion even when it is hard.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Ephesians 5:2
“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2
Rebuilding Trust
Rebuilding trust after being hurt by our friends can feel daunting, yet it is a vital step in restoring relationships. Trust can be fragile, and when broken, it takes time and effort to mend. Through the grace of God, we can learn to be cautious while also opening our hearts to reconciliation. The Word encourages us to be loving and trustworthy, embodying the spirit of Christ. It reminds us that we can find strength in humility, allowing healing to pave the way for renewed trust.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 56:3-4
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” – Psalm 56:3-4
1 Timothy 1:19
“Holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:19
Romans 15:5-6
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.” – Romans 15:5-6
Philippians 2:2
“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Final Thoughts
Being hurt by friends can be a challenging experience, yet it can also lead us to profound growth. Through understanding and forgiveness, we can rebuild what was lost. The Bible teaches us much about friendship, pain, and love. In every step of our healing journey, we know that God’s love accompanies us, helping us to restore our hearts and relationships. We uncover strength in forgiving others and ourselves, leading to deeper connections.
As we embrace God’s wisdom through scripture, we can seek comfort and encouragement even in our darkest moments. Whenever we are faced with hurt, we can remind ourselves of the importance of community, love, and healing. If you want to explore more about relationships and loss, consider reading about [loss of a friend](https://biblerepository.com/bible-verses-about-loss-of-a-friend/) or [losing friendships](https://biblerepository.com/bible-verses-about-losing-friendships/).
There is hope and healing for us in God’s word and in the support of our other friends who stand by us during tough times. Together, we can learn to forgive, to trust again, and to rebuild friendships that endure.