Hurting others, whether through words or actions, is a topic the Bible addresses with clear guidance and wisdom. The Scripture emphasizes love, kindness, and compassion as the foundations of how we should treat one another. According to the Bible, causing harm to others is not just a sin against the person but also against God, who created us all in His image. The message is clear: we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This principle runs throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament laws to Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament. It’s a call to live out our faith through our actions, ensuring we contribute to healing rather than hurting in our world.
Want to dive deeper into what the Bible says about hurting others? Keep reading to discover how Scripture guides us to navigate this critical aspect of our relationships and behavior, offering a path to reconciliation and love.
What Does the Bible Say About Hurting Others?
The Bible is not silent on the matter of causing pain to others. Throughout its pages, from the laws of Moses to the parables of Jesus, there’s a continuous theme: the importance of treating others with the same respect, love, and kindness we desire for ourselves. This theme is deeply embedded in the fabric of biblical teaching, reflecting God’s heart for His creation.
God’s view on hurting others is unequivocally clear. It’s considered a sin—a breach of the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. This commandment is so central to Christian ethics that Jesus himself reiterates it as one of the two greatest commandments, alongside loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
The Bible teaches that our actions and words have the power to build up or tear down, to heal or to wound. In the New Testament, James talks about the tongue being a small part of the body yet having the power to set the whole course of one’s life on fire. This vivid imagery reminds us of the significant impact our words can have on others.
Moreover, the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount take the discussion on hurting others deeper. He challenges us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, setting a high standard for Christian behavior that transcends the natural inclination for retribution or revenge. This radical call to love is foundational to Christian ethics and highlights the transformative power of love to overcome harm.
The apostle Paul, in his letters to the early churches, frequently addresses the issue of hurting others, urging believers to live in harmony and to avoid actions that could lead to stumbling or offense. He emphasizes the importance of building each other up in love and warns against the dangers of bitterness, anger, and malice.
In essence, the Bible’s message on hurting others is one of prevention and healing. It calls for self-examination, urging us to consider how our actions and words affect those around us. Forgiveness and reconciliation are also key themes, with numerous passages encouraging us to forgive others as God has forgiven us. This approach not only fosters personal peace but also strengthens the communal fabric, creating an environment where love prevails over hurt.
Bible Verses About Hurting Others
- Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” This verse, known as the Golden Rule, encapsulates the Bible’s stance on our treatment of others. It urges us to consider our actions through the lens of empathy and reciprocity.
- Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This verse highlights the importance of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness—key elements in preventing and healing the hurt we might cause others.
- James 3:5-6 – “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.” James warns about the potential for our words to cause great harm, likening the tongue to a fire that can destroy much.
- Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Wisdom literature in the Bible provides practical advice on how to avoid causing hurt through our words. This verse teaches the power of a gentle response over a harsh one.
- Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Paul’s advice to the Romans is a call to strive for peace, highlighting the individual’s responsibility to avoid causing harm to others.
- 1 John 4:20 – “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” This verse challenges us to reflect on the inconsistency of professing love for God while hurting or hating others, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our love for God and for our neighbors.
- Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This verse not only addresses the importance of forgiveness but also the need to be patient and tolerant with one another, recognizing that everyone makes mistakes. It’s a reminder that healing often begins with forgiveness, which is central to healing the hurt we may cause.
- Proverbs 16:24 – “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” The wisdom of Proverbs teaches us about the healing power of kind words. This metaphorical expression highlights how positive, uplifting words can bring deep healing and comfort to those we interact with.
- Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus’ teaching here is revolutionary, pushing the boundaries of what it means to love. It’s not just about avoiding hurting others but actively seeking the good for those who might even wish us harm. This kind of love is a powerful antidote to the cycle of hurt and retaliation.
- Galatians 6:10 – “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Paul encourages us to seize every opportunity to do good to others, highlighting the importance of positive actions that can prevent hurt and promote healing and unity within the community.
Through these verses, the Bible provides a comprehensive guide on how to navigate our relationships with others, emphasizing the need to avoid causing harm, to seek forgiveness when we do, and to actively pursue peace and reconciliation. The Scripture’s teachings on this topic encourage us to reflect God’s love in our actions and words, promoting a life that heals rather than hurts.