As followers of Christ, we may sometimes feel taken advantage of by others. Whether it’s through unreciprocated kindness, emotional burdens, or being expected to give beyond our means, it can be exhausting. However, the Bible provides wisdom and encouragement on how to handle such situations with grace, love, and wisdom. Here are seven key themes with Bible verses to guide us when we feel used by others.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Mistreated
Love Without Expecting Anything in Return
Jesus taught us to love unconditionally, even when others fail to appreciate or reciprocate. True love is sacrificial and does not seek repayment. While it is wise to set boundaries, we should always strive to love as Christ loved—selflessly and abundantly.
Luke 6:35
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”
Matthew 5:44
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
Romans 12:20
“Instead, ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.’”
1 John 4:19
“We love each other because he loved us first.”
Set Healthy Boundaries
While God calls us to love others, He also gives us wisdom to set boundaries. Jesus Himself sometimes withdrew from crowds to pray and rest. We are not meant to let people walk all over us—we must learn to say no when necessary and rely on God’s wisdom.
Proverbs 4:23
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Matthew 10:16
“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10
“Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: ‘Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.’”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
Mark 6:31
“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’ He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.”
Trust God to Defend You
When others take advantage of us, it is tempting to seek revenge or hold resentment. However, the Bible reminds us that God is our defender. He sees all injustices, and He will make things right in His perfect time.
Romans 12:19
“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.”
Psalm 37:5-6
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.”
Isaiah 54:17
“But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Proverbs 20:22
“Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.”
Psalm 34:17
“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.”
Remain Humble and Trust God’s Plan
Even when people misuse us, God can turn it for good. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, but God used his suffering to save a nation. We must trust that God sees our pain and will use it for His glory.
Genesis 50:20
“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.”
1 Peter 5:6
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.”
Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”
Psalm 138:8
“The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Being Flexible
Forgive Those Who Use You
Forgiveness is not about letting others off the hook—it’s about freeing ourselves from bitterness. Jesus forgave those who crucified Him, and He calls us to forgive as well. When we let go of resentment, we allow God’s peace to fill our hearts.
Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
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.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’ And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”
Proverbs 19:11
“Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.”
Seek God’s Strength in Times of Weariness
Being used by others can be emotionally and physically draining. When we feel exhausted, God invites us to rest in Him. He gives strength to the weary and refreshes those who are burdened.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’”
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Psalm 55:22
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
Trust That God Will Reward Your Faithfulness
Even when people take advantage of our kindness, God sees our faithfulness. We may not always receive appreciation from others, but our reward is in heaven. God honors those who serve Him with a sincere heart.
Galatians 6:9
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Hebrews 6:10
“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.”
Matthew 6:3-4
“But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Colossians 3:23-24
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”