When It's Hard to Love Your NeighborSample

Hurtful Neighbors

Without a doubt, one of the most challenging aspects of following Jesus is learning to forgo bitterness and revenge in favor of forgiveness and love. There is a saying: "Hurt people hurt people," and this is why it’s crucial to pray for those who do us harm. The patience and grace we demonstrate by remaining civil and gentle in the face of adversity speak louder than any grudge we hold.

However, when we have undergone trauma at the hands of others, the impact on our bodies and minds can be severe. Being told to simply forgive and forget feels insulting. It’s important to remember that God does not ask us to open ourselves up to further victimization or to pretend something awful didn’t happen. He just wants us to trust him with our recovery. We can trust that God’s justice will prevail.

It can be challenging to love those who are hostile, aggressive, or hurtful toward us, but Jesus calls us to respond with love and prayer. God will give us the strength to show love, even in difficult relationships.