At some point in life, we all feel like we’ve been taken advantage of.
Maybe someone borrowed money and never paid it back.
Maybe a friend used your kindness for their own gain.
Maybe a coworker took credit for your hard work.
It hurts when people mistreat us, especially when we are trying to do the right thing.
But how should we respond?
Should we fight back, demand justice, or simply let it go?
The Bible has a lot to say about being taken advantage of, and its wisdom can help us handle these situations with both strength and grace.
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about dealing with those who exploit our kindness, and how we can respond in a way that honors God.
God Sees When We Are Wronged
When we feel mistreated, it’s easy to think we’re alone in our struggle.
But the Bible reminds us that God sees every injustice.
In Proverbs 15:3, it says:
The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
Nothing escapes God’s notice.
When someone takes advantage of us, we don’t have to feel powerless—because God is watching.
He knows when someone is being unfair, deceitful, or selfish.
Psalm 34:18 also gives us comfort:
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
If someone has mistreated you, know that God sees your pain.
He cares about your struggle, and He promises to be near to those who are hurting.
Even if it feels like no one else notices, God does.
And He is on your side.
Jesus Experienced Being Taken Advantage Of
If anyone understands what it feels like to be taken advantage of, it’s Jesus.
Throughout His life, people mistreated Him, used Him, and took Him for granted.
He healed the sick, but many only followed Him for what He could give them.
He taught people about God, but they often ignored His words.
He gave everything—including His life—only to be rejected by those He came to save.
In Isaiah 53:3, Jesus is described as:
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Jesus understands what it’s like to be mistreated.
He didn’t deserve the way people treated Him, but He responded with patience and love.
That doesn’t mean He let people walk all over Him—He spoke the truth boldly and stood firm in His mission.
But He didn’t let bitterness take root in His heart.
His example teaches us how to handle being taken advantage of without losing our faith or love for others.
We Are Called to Love, But Not to Be Doormats
The Bible teaches us to love others, even when they don’t deserve it.
But does that mean we should let people take advantage of us?
Not at all.
In Matthew 10:16, Jesus told His disciples:
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.
Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
This verse reminds us to be kind, but also wise.
Jesus didn’t say, “Let people walk all over you.”
He said to be both gentle and smart.
Loving others doesn’t mean allowing them to misuse or manipulate us.
There is a difference between showing grace and being a doormat.
We are called to forgive and to be generous, but we are also called to protect our hearts and make wise choices.
Forgiveness Is Powerful, But Boundaries Are Necessary
The Bible makes it clear that forgiveness is important.
In Matthew 6:14, Jesus says:
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Holding onto bitterness only hurts us in the end.
But forgiving someone doesn’t mean allowing them to continue hurting us.
There’s a difference between forgiving and enabling.
Proverbs 4:23 says:
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Setting healthy boundaries is not unkind—it’s wise.
If someone constantly takes advantage of your kindness, it’s okay to set limits.
If a friend only reaches out when they need something, it’s okay to say no.
If someone at work keeps pushing their responsibilities onto you, it’s okay to stand up for yourself.
Jesus forgave people, but He also walked away when necessary.
We can do the same.
God Will Bring Justice
One of the hardest things about being taken advantage of is feeling like the other person “gets away” with it.
But the Bible reassures us that God is a God of justice.
Romans 12:19 says:
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
We don’t have to fight for revenge—God will take care of it in His own time.
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t stand up for what is right, but it does mean we don’t have to carry the weight of resentment.
God sees, God knows, and God will handle it.
Our job is to trust Him and not let anger control our hearts.
Giving Without Being Used
The Bible encourages generosity.
In Luke 6:30, Jesus says:
Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
At first, this verse might seem like we should just let people take advantage of us.
But that’s not what Jesus is saying.
This verse is about having a heart of generosity, not about allowing abuse.
God wants us to give freely—but He also wants us to give wisely.
In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul says:
The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.
This reminds us that we shouldn’t encourage laziness or irresponsibility.
Helping people is good, but we must be wise about when to help and when to step back.
Giving should come from love, not from guilt or pressure.
Standing Firm in Truth
Sometimes, people will try to take advantage of us because we follow Jesus.
They might see kindness as weakness.
They might think that because we are forgiving, we won’t stand up for ourselves.
But being a Christian doesn’t mean letting people manipulate us.
Ephesians 6:13 tells us:
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.
Standing up for ourselves is not unchristian—it is necessary.
Jesus stood firm when people tried to trap Him with their words.
Paul defended his faith boldly.
We can be kind and firm at the same time.
Being taken advantage of is painful, but it doesn’t mean we have to be powerless.
God gives us wisdom and strength to handle these situations with both grace and confidence.
How to Respond When You Feel Taken Advantage Of
Pray for wisdom.
Ask God for guidance on how to handle the situation.
Forgive, but set boundaries.
Let go of resentment, but don’t allow the mistreatment to continue.
Trust God for justice.
He sees what has happened and will take care of it.
Stand firm in truth.
Being kind doesn’t mean being weak—know when to say no.
Surround yourself with godly people.
Good friends and mentors can help you navigate tough situations.
Final Thoughts
Being taken advantage of is never easy.
It can make us feel used, frustrated, or even angry.
But the Bible gives us wisdom on how to handle these moments with strength and grace.
God sees when we are wronged, and He promises to take care of us.
Jesus experienced the same thing, yet He remained loving and wise.
We are called to forgive, but that doesn’t mean we have to allow mistreatment to continue.
Boundaries are biblical, and wisdom is necessary.
So today, if you feel like someone is taking advantage of you, take a deep breath.
Pray for wisdom.
Trust God’s justice.
And walk forward in strength, knowing that He is with you.