Pain caused by others can leave deep scars.
When someone hurts you once, it is painful.
But when they continue to hurt you, the wounds run even deeper.
Whether it is through betrayal, harsh words, manipulation, or broken trust, repeated hurt can make you feel helpless.
You may wonder, how does God want me to handle this?
Does the Bible say I have to keep forgiving?
Do I have to keep letting this person hurt me?
What does God expect when someone in my life continually brings me pain?
The Bible speaks directly to this struggle, offering wisdom, comfort, and guidance for those who are hurting.
Let’s take a deep look at what Scripture says about dealing with someone who keeps causing you pain.
God Sees Your Pain
One of the most comforting truths in the Bible is that God sees and cares about your suffering.
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
God is not distant.
He is near to those who are hurting.
He knows every tear you have shed and every wound you carry.
You are not alone in your pain.
God does not ignore mistreatment or excuse wrongdoing.
He is a just God, and He cares about how people treat one another.
When someone continually hurts you, God takes notice.
Forgiveness Does Not Mean Tolerating Abuse
One of the most misunderstood teachings in the Bible is the concept of forgiveness.
Some people believe that forgiving someone means allowing them to keep hurting you.
But that is not what the Bible teaches.
Matthew 18:21-22 says, “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’
Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
This does not mean we allow others to mistreat us over and over without setting boundaries.
It means that we release bitterness from our hearts, giving the pain to God instead of carrying it ourselves.
Forgiveness is about freeing ourselves, not about allowing continual harm.
Setting Boundaries Is Biblical
The Bible does not call us to remain in situations where we are being repeatedly mistreated.
Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
This verse encourages us to be cautious about who we allow into our lives.
If someone repeatedly hurts you and refuses to change, you have the right to set boundaries.
Jesus Himself set boundaries with people.
When He faced opposition from the Pharisees, He often walked away from them rather than engaging in endless conflict.
In Matthew 10:14, Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.”
Sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is step away from someone who is causing harm.
Love Does Not Mean Being a Doormat
Many people believe that being a Christian means always being kind, always saying yes, and always enduring mistreatment.
But biblical love is not about being passive or allowing abuse.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes love as patient and kind, but it also says that love “does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”
Love does not ignore wrongdoing.
Jesus demonstrated love with strength.
He loved people deeply, but He also confronted sin and stood firm against injustice.
Being loving does not mean allowing yourself to be mistreated.
It means valuing yourself as a child of God and recognizing that you are not meant to live in constant pain.
God Calls Us to Seek Peace, But Not at Any Cost
Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse acknowledges that peace is not always possible.
There are times when, despite our best efforts, someone continues to harm us.
In these cases, it is not wrong to step back and protect yourself.
God wants us to be peacemakers, but He does not expect us to sacrifice our well-being in the process.
Peace is not about enduring abuse.
It is about doing your part to handle conflicts in a way that honors God.
If the other person refuses to change, you are not responsible for their choices.
Praying for Those Who Hurt You
One of the hardest things the Bible teaches is to pray for those who hurt us.
Matthew 5:44 says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Praying for someone who continually hurts you does not mean you approve of their actions.
It means surrendering them to God.
It means asking God to work in their heart, change their ways, and bring healing.
Praying for them can also help free you from bitterness.
When we pray for those who harm us, we shift the burden to God instead of carrying it ourselves.
Walking Away Can Be the Right Choice
Some relationships are too toxic to continue.
If someone continually lies, manipulates, abuses, or disrespects you, the Bible does not require you to stay.
Titus 3:10 says, “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time.
After that, have nothing to do with them.”
If someone refuses to change despite warnings and chances, walking away may be necessary.
This is not about revenge or hatred.
It is about protecting your heart, mind, and spiritual well-being.
Some relationships are meant to be released, so you can find peace and healing.
Healing After Repeated Hurt
When someone has continually hurt you, the wounds take time to heal.
Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
God is in the business of healing.
You do not have to carry the pain forever.
Through prayer, godly counsel, and the support of loving friends, you can move forward.
Healing does not mean forgetting.
It means finding peace, even in the midst of pain.
It means learning to trust again, even after betrayal.
And it means knowing that God sees your suffering and is walking with you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
The Bible is clear that God cares about those who are hurting.
If someone continually harms you, you do not have to endure it in silence.
Forgiveness is important, but it does not mean tolerating mistreatment.
Setting boundaries is biblical and necessary for your well-being.
God calls us to love, but love does not mean allowing ourselves to be abused.
Pray for those who hurt you, but also protect yourself when needed.
If peace is not possible, it is okay to walk away.
God is your defender, your healer, and your source of strength.
No matter what pain you have experienced, He is with you, ready to bring healing and restoration to your heart.