Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
TL;DR: No matter how frustrated or hurt we feel by others’ actions, God calls us to respond with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Hurting people hurt others—only Jesus can break the cycle.
Have you ever been so frustrated with someone that you just want to scream, run away, or do anything but show love and compassion? I know I have. It’s hard not to react in anger when someone’s behavior pushes our buttons.
But as followers of Christ, we are called to respond differently.
Ephesians 4:32 says,
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This isn’t easy. We are human. And sometimes, the people who hurt us the most are the ones who’ve been hurt the most. Hurting people hurt people.
If someone is lashing out at you, it’s often because they are experiencing their own pain, even if they don’t show it in ways we can easily understand. It doesn’t excuse the behavior, but it helps us understand why people act the way they do.
Only Jesus has the power to break this cycle of hurt.
So how do we respond?
We can choose to respond with love, compassion, and grace—because Christ in us enables us to do so.
Jesus loved us so deeply that while we were still sinners, He died for us (Romans 5:8). He showed compassion even when we didn’t deserve it. That same love and compassion can live in us when we choose to let it flow out to others.
When someone’s actions hurt us, it’s tempting to harbor anger, rage, and malice. But when we do, we only hold ourselves hostage. We end up carrying the weight of that anger around.
Sometimes, it’s okay to love from a distance—to set boundaries for our own peace and well-being. But always remember: Choose love—whether that means offering forgiveness or keeping your distance with a heart of grace.
Today, if you feel offended, hurt, or tempted to react in anger, take a deep breath, pray, and remember:
Jesus forgave you.
He empowers you to do the same.
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