Jesus said, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27-28 NIV) In the following verses Jesus gives several specific examples of how to treat those who have hurt you, and He concludes with, "Be merciful, just as ...
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” The Good News: Though you may feel defeated, God is closer than you realize. He is always with you and can heal your heart.
Moreover, the notion of suffering as punishment for sin was deeply embedded in ancient Hebrew tradition. Jesus rejected this notion and rather highlighted the unconditional love of God (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount -- Matthew 5:45 and the healing of the man born blind -- John 9:1-41).
We know it's true, hurting people hurt people. Then we come to the words of Jesus: “love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who despitefully use you.
Philippians 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 10. Hebrews 13:5 I will never leave you or forsake you.
The Bible never instructs us to suppress our pain, but instead, shows us where to direct it. Like our need for a surgeon to address physical wounds to our body, God desires to conduct divine surgery on our soul which results in supernatural healing despite how difficult our challenge.
Here is what the Scripture says: God is just. He will punish through everlasting destruction and those who are so punished will be shut out from the presence of the Lord, forever. This will happen when Jesus Christ is revealed. This is one of the hardest truths in the Bible.
Jesus loved.
As Jesus languished on the cross, he didn't counter his accusers with insults, cursing, and retaliation—nor did he use his power to inflict pain. His submissive silence was a divine response from the nature of an almighty, all-powerful, sovereign God in the flesh—an example for all his people to follow.
Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." The Good News: We have been forgiven of our own sins, the least we could do is be kind and forgiving to others.
Psalm 147:3, it says “He heals broken hearts and binds up their wounds” (NIV). This beautiful reminder reminds us that God is capable of restoring broken pieces together so that they become whole again even after being shattered by emotional pain.
Open your whole heart to the heart of Jesus, relate to it your pains, your wounds, your wants. He knows not how to resist a heart that is [open], be it but anxious and confiding. Start today by setting aside a time for prayer where you talk simply with God.
The Reality of Suffering We see in Jesus an approach to suffering that is not avoidance; rather he responds in love, acknowledging and entering into the suffering of others. He experiences grief, rejection, humiliation and ridicule. He opens himself to hatred and hostility, persecu- tion and threats on his life.
Our suffering is an integral part of God's plan to ready us for the struggle of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Suffering in some ways is a prerequisite for strengthening one's spiritual muscle. Take notes on this. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but (rather) painful.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 commands “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (KJV). And because punishment keeps us away from sin and evil, I would count it as a blessing. Another reason pain is a blessing is that it not only corrects us but can be used to guide us.
God is with you.
In your pain, in the dark night of your soul, in your storm, in your confusion, in your sadness, wherever you are, He is. God is on the side of the sufferer. Scripture bears witness.
The best Bible verse for mustering the power to get through the pain and grief can be found in Joshua 1:9. It is in this scripture that we are told to “be strong and courageous.” When grief and fear take hold, we are told not to be afraid and that God will be with us wherever we go.
“Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them” (Romans 12:14, NLT). If I'm honest, this verse is hard to swallow, especially when I've been really hurt.
Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for improved health and peace of mind. Forgiveness can lead to: Healthier relationships. Improved mental health.
Throughout the gospels, Jesus defined himself by saying who he was and what his mission was. At the same time, he never controlled or manipulated others to agree; instead, he asked questions and invited others into conversation to help them see where they stood in relation to him.
Let them know that this is not a punishment, but rather a productive way for you to heal. When you need space from your friend before moving forward, you can say: “I know this is hard for you too, but your actions have hurt me deeply so I need some space right now before we can be friends again.”
A glance at the book of Proverbs reminds us: “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare” (Prov. 13:20 ).
Violence against women
Scripture is full of condemnations of violence – time and again violence is associated with wickedness and condemned as “detestable to the Lord” (Psalm 11, Proverbs 3 & 10).
Proverbs 27:6 In-Context
5 Better to correct someone openly than to let him think you don't care for him at all. 6 Friends mean well, even when they hurt you. But when an enemy puts his arm around your shoulder - watch out!