Hurting others is one of the most painful realities of life.
Sometimes, people cause harm with words, actions, or even through neglect.
At times, the pain is intentional, while other times, it happens by accident.
Regardless of how it occurs, the Bible makes it clear that hurting others is not in line with God’s will.
God calls His people to love, forgive, and live in peace with one another.
But what does the Bible actually say about hurting others?
Does it warn against certain behaviors?
Does it offer guidance for healing when we have been hurt?
Let’s take a closer look at what Scripture teaches about this important topic.
God Commands Us to Love, Not Harm
The foundation of Christian life is love.
Jesus made this clear in Matthew 22:37-39 when He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Loving others means treating them with kindness, respect, and compassion.
It means choosing to do good rather than harm.
Romans 13:10 reinforces this, saying, “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
If love is the foundation of our actions, then hurting others should have no place in our lives.
The Bible Warns Against Words That Harm
Words have power.
They can build someone up or tear them down in an instant.
The Bible warns repeatedly about the danger of using words to hurt others.
Proverbs 12:18 says, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
A single harsh word can wound a person’s heart, sometimes in ways that last a lifetime.
James 3:6 compares the tongue to a fire, saying, “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
This means that words can cause destruction if not used wisely.
Gossip, insults, and lies all bring harm.
God calls His people to use their words to encourage, uplift, and bring life to others instead.
Violence and Hatred Are Condemned
Physical harm is one of the most obvious ways people hurt each other.
The Bible is clear that violence and hatred are against God’s commands.
Exodus 20:13 gives a direct command: “You shall not murder.”
This commandment is not just about killing—it speaks to the deeper issue of valuing life.
Jesus expanded on this teaching in Matthew 5:21-22, saying, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
This shows that even anger and hatred can be as destructive as physical violence.
God calls us to respond with love rather than rage.
Betrayal and Deception Bring Pain
Hurting others is not always physical—it can come in the form of betrayal and dishonesty.
Lying, cheating, and breaking trust can leave emotional scars just as deep as physical ones.
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that the Lord hates, including “a lying tongue” and “a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
God values truth and integrity.
When we deceive others, we break relationships and cause harm that can take years to repair.
Colossians 3:9-10 instructs, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Followers of Christ are called to be people of truth, living with honesty and faithfulness.
Holding on to Anger Leads to Hurt
Unresolved anger can be dangerous.
It can lead to bitterness, grudges, and even actions that harm others.
Ephesians 4:26-27 warns, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
This verse teaches that anger itself is not always sinful, but holding onto it can lead to destructive choices.
Bitterness poisons relationships, while forgiveness brings healing.
Jesus set the example of forgiveness, even in the face of great pain.
When He was crucified, He said in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
If Jesus could forgive those who hurt Him, we are also called to let go of anger and seek peace.
Seeking Forgiveness When We Have Hurt Others
Everyone makes mistakes.
At some point, we have all hurt someone, whether through words, actions, or neglect.
The Bible teaches that when we recognize our wrongs, we must seek forgiveness and make things right.
Matthew 5:23-24 says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
This shows that God values reconciliation.
It is not enough to simply feel bad about what we have done.
We must take action to repair the harm we have caused.
Asking for forgiveness requires humility, but it is a crucial step in restoring relationships.
Healing After Being Hurt
If you have been hurt by someone, the Bible offers comfort and guidance for healing.
Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
God sees your pain, and He cares deeply about your healing.
Forgiving those who hurt you does not mean pretending the pain did not happen.
It means choosing to release bitterness and trusting God to bring 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.”
Healing takes time, but with God’s help, it is possible to move forward.
Surrounding yourself with supportive friends, praying for strength, and focusing on God’s love can help restore a wounded heart.
Choosing Love Over Hurt
The Bible’s message is clear—hurting others is never God’s desire.
Instead, He calls His people to live in love, kindness, and forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:31-32 gives this encouragement: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Choosing love does not mean ignoring wrongdoing, but it does mean responding in a way that honors God.
Love builds bridges where hurt creates division.
Love restores what has been broken.
When we choose love, we reflect the character of Christ in our lives.
Final Thoughts
The Bible teaches that hurting others—whether through words, actions, or betrayal—is against God’s will.
God calls His people to live with love, honesty, and kindness.
When we hurt others, we must seek forgiveness.
When we are hurt, we must trust God for healing.
The greatest example of love and forgiveness is found in Jesus, who loved even those who wronged Him.
If we follow His example, we can bring peace, healing, and restoration to our relationships.
Choosing love over hurt is not always easy, but it is the path that leads to true peace and joy.