How do you handle it when someone hurts you? Do you lash out? Do you think of ways to get them back? Do you take to social media and make snarky posts, or tell your story to anyone who will listen?
It is so tempting to want to hurt someone back when they have hurt you, especially when you feel like it is completely unfair. During these painful seasons, turning to Scripture is the only way to find true relief. If you are struggling to find peace today, here are 11 Bible verses for when you are hurting to help mend your broken heart.
Why Do People Hurt Us?
The problem is simple: sin entered this world with Adam and Eve and has continued ever since.
God tells us in His Word that “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.” The thief is the devil. He wants to steal your peace with others, kill your witness, and destroy your relationships.
The devil knows he can potentially ruin your witness when someone hurts you because our sinful nature is to “get them back.” By driving us toward revenge, he can destroy important relationships in our lives—including our marriage, our relationships with our kids, our parents, and our friends.
When we don’t have peace and harmony in these relationships, it hurts deeply! Too many times, we blame God when something like this happens. We are tempted to look up and ask why He allowed this to happen to us.
This is exactly what Satan wants. He is the master of disguise and deception, the father of lies. If he can get us to take our eyes off of what is really going on and blame God, then we stop praying. We stop living for God, and we are no longer a threat to his plans.
How Should We React When We Are Hurting?
We know we should react as Jesus would, but that is incredibly hard when the pain is fresh.
One thing that has helped me is taking a step back and getting alone to pray—preferably before I say a single word. I’m not going to lie; that has taken some practice. I have not always been good at this, and there are still times I struggle with wanting to say exactly what I am thinking!
But I have found that when I take time to pray, God is always right there waiting for me. I find immediate peace and comfort in Him. After I have gained some perspective through prayer, I can then go back and talk to the person who hurt me.
Sometimes, though, that reconciliation isn’t possible. In those cases, the best we can do is lift that person up to God.
1. Romans 12:19-21 (NIV)
“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. 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.’ Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
What Does God Say About Being Hurt by Others?
God loves you so much that He gave His only Son to die for your sins so you could have a personal relationship with Him. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is!
One of the most comforting chapters in the Bible is Psalm 139. It reminds us of how intimately God loves us and of His promise that He is always with us.
2. Psalm 139:16-18 (NIV)
“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!”
God knows everything about us, and He cares deeply about everything that concerns us. When others mistreat us, He is our defender.
3. Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Scriptures for a Broken Heart
When the pain caused by others leaves you feeling completely crushed, God promises that He doesn’t look away. In fact, He draws even closer to you. These scriptures for a broken heart remind us of His tender care when we are at our lowest point.
4. Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
If you feel like your heart has been shattered into a million pieces, remember that God isn’t just watching you from a distance—He is right there beside you in the brokenness.
5. Psalm 147:3 (NIV)
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Just like a doctor carefully cleans and wraps a physical injury, God gently binds up our emotional wounds. Healing takes time, but He is faithful to see it through.
6. Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Bible Verses for Emotional Pain
Emotional pain can be exhausting. It drains your energy, steals your sleep, and fills your mind with anxiety. When you need targeted Bible verses for emotional pain, take your heavy burdens directly to the feet of Jesus.
7. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
You don’t have to pretend to have it all together. Jesus invites you to trade your heavy, painful burdens for His rest.
8. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
9. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Encouraging Bible Verses for Hard Times
When you are deep in a trial, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. These encouraging Bible verses for hard times are meant to anchor your soul and remind you that this painful season is not the end of your story.
10. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
11. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
One day, God will use the very pain you are experiencing right now to help someone else who is going through the exact same thing. Your pain will become a powerful testimony of His comfort.
Why does emotional pain feel so overwhelming?
Emotional pain triggers the same areas of the brain as physical injury. When you are hurting from a broken relationship or deep disappointment, your body and mind experience it as a wound. God understands this delicate design, which is why His Word promises that He is close to the brokenhearted and gently binds up their emotional wounds.
How do I stop dwelling on the hurt someone caused me?
Shifting your focus away from the pain takes time and intentionality. Whenever your mind drifts toward resentment, try replacing those thoughts with Scripture. Intentionally reading encouraging Bible verses for hard times redirects your mind toward God’s promises instead of the offense. Pray for the person who hurt you, and ask God to carry the heavy burden of bitterness for you.
Does God really use our pain for good?
Yes, God promises that your current trial is not the end of your story. As we read in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, the comfort you receive from God during this painful season prepares you to beautifully support and comfort someone else who will go through the exact same thing down the road.
Final Thoughts
No matter who hurt you or how deep the wound goes, you do not have to carry the hurt alone. Lean on these promises, spend time in prayer, and let God mend your heart.
