As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another and seek peace. Hurting others, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, goes against the heart of God’s commandments. These Bible verses remind us of the importance of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness when dealing with others. Let’s Explore!
Also Read: Bible Verses About Putting Others Down
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
The Bible teaches us that loving our neighbor is central to living a Christian life. Hurting others contradicts this commandment, as it shows a lack of love and compassion. Here are verses that remind us to treat others with the same love we desire for ourselves.
Mark 12:31
“The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
Romans 13:10
“Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.”
Matthew 7:12
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
Galatians 5:14
“For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Forgive Others As God Forgives You
Hurting others can be a result of harboring bitterness or resentment. The Bible calls us to forgive those who wrong us, just as God has forgiven us. Through forgiveness, we release the need to harm others and experience God’s peace.
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 4:32
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then 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!’”
Control Your Anger
Anger can be a powerful emotion that leads to harmful actions and words. The Bible encourages us to control our anger, so we do not end up hurting others. Anger, when left unchecked, can lead to destruction and damage relationships.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”
James 1:19-20
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”
Proverbs 29:11
“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.”
Ephesians 4:26
“And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
Psalm 37:8
“Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.”
Speak Kindly, Not Harshly
The words we speak have the power to build others up or tear them down. Speaking harshly can wound someone deeply, but kind words can bring healing and encouragement. The Bible reminds us of the impact our words can have on others.
Proverbs 16:24
“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Ephesians 4:29
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Proverbs 15:4
“Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
Seek Peace and Reconciliation
Instead of causing harm, the Bible calls us to be peacemakers, seeking reconciliation in conflicts. Bringing peace can prevent the hurt that comes from disputes and arguments. Jesus Himself blessed those who work for peace.
Matthew 5:9
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”
Romans 12:18
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Hebrews 12:14
“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
1 Peter 3:11
“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
2 Corinthians 13:11
“Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Do Not Seek Revenge
The desire for revenge can lead to more harm and damage relationships further. God instructs us to leave justice in His hands and not repay evil with evil. By trusting God’s justice, we avoid further hurt.
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.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”
Proverbs 20:22
“Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.”
1 Peter 3:9
“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.”
Matthew 5:38-39
“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.”
Show Compassion and Mercy
Just as God has shown us compassion and mercy, we are called to extend the same to others. Hurting others contradicts the character of God, who is full of love and grace. These verses remind us to be merciful and compassionate in all our interactions.
Luke 6:36
“You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”
Micah 6:8
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Matthew 9:13
“Then he added, ‘Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
James 2:13
“There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.”
Proverbs 21:21
“Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
Turn from Evil and Do Good
The Bible teaches us to turn away from evil and actively do good to others. By avoiding harmful behavior and choosing goodness, we live in a way that honors God and blesses others. These verses encourage us to seek righteousness and shun actions that hurt others.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Stay away from every kind of evil.”
Romans 12:21
“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Psalm 34:14
“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
Amos 5:14
“Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed.”
1 Peter 3:11
“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Putting Others First
What Does the Bible Say About Hurting Others
Hurting others is something that happens all too often in our lives, whether we mean to or not. Sometimes we say something harsh in the heat of the moment, or we act out of selfishness, thinking only of our own needs without considering the feelings of others. But what does the Bible teach us about hurting others? It gives us clear guidance on how we should treat people, and it’s important to understand the seriousness of our actions.
The Bible tells us that love should be at the center of everything we do. This means that every word we speak and every action we take should come from a place of love. Hurting someone, whether with our words or actions, is the opposite of love. When we cause pain, we step away from the path of love that God wants us to follow. He created us to live in harmony with each other, and when we hurt others, we break that harmony. It’s like breaking the trust that binds us together as human beings.
One thing we have to remember is that hurting others doesn’t just affect them; it also affects us. When we act out of anger, jealousy, or pride, we create distance between ourselves and the people around us. We can also damage our own hearts. A person who continually hurts others will eventually find themselves feeling isolated, full of guilt, or carrying a heavy burden. That’s because we weren’t made to live with hate or selfishness inside of us. God designed us to live in peace with each other, and when we go against that, it messes with our own sense of peace.
Sometimes, hurting others happens in subtle ways. It’s not always physical or obvious. We might gossip about someone behind their back or make fun of them in a joking manner. While these things may seem harmless at the moment, they can still leave a lasting impact on the person we’re talking about. Words have a way of sticking with people, and negative words can cause a lot of damage, even if we didn’t mean them to. God wants us to be mindful of this because even small, careless words can cause deep wounds.
Another way people can hurt each other is through neglect or indifference. Maybe we see someone who is struggling, and we choose not to help. Ignoring someone’s pain or failing to lend a hand when we are able is also a form of hurting others. When we have the ability to make a difference and we choose to do nothing, that too can cause harm. God calls us to be people who care about one another, who lift each other up, and who are always ready to show kindness.
It’s also important to recognize that forgiving those who hurt us is part of the journey. Holding on to grudges or harboring bitterness only adds to the cycle of pain. When we forgive, we break that cycle. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that the hurt didn’t happen or that we should forget about it, but it does mean that we let go of the desire for revenge or to hold that wrong over someone’s head. By forgiving, we can find healing for ourselves and for our relationships.
Hurting others can also damage our relationship with God. When we harm His children, we are going against His will for our lives. He wants us to love one another, to be kind, and to act in ways that reflect His love for the world. When we act in ways that hurt others, we show that we are not following His example. The way we treat others is a reflection of how much we understand and appreciate the love that God has for us.
In conclusion, hurting others is something that can happen in many forms, whether through our words, actions, or even our silence. But God calls us to a higher standard. He wants us to live in peace, showing love and kindness to everyone we meet. When we hurt others, we not only harm them but also ourselves and our relationship with God. That’s why it’s so important to always think before we act, to choose love over anger, and to seek forgiveness when we fall short.