What does the Bible say about letting go of hurt?

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The Bible teaches that believers can let go of hurt by bringing their pain to God, forgiving those who sin against them, resisting bitterness and revenge, and trusting the Lord to judge rightly. Philippians 4:6-7 and 1 Peter 5:6-7 invite us to cast our anxieties on God and receive His guarding peace. Ephesians 4:31 calls us to put away bitterness, while Matthew 6:14 and Matthew 5:44 summon us to forgive and pray for those who hurt us. Romans 12:19 reminds us that vengeance belongs to God, not to us. This does not deny real wrongs or forbid wise boundaries; rather, it frees us to answer anger with gentleness, as Proverbs 15:1 and 2 Timothy 2:23-26 teach.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Philippians 4:6-7

    [6] In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

  • Ephesians 4:31

    Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice.

  • Proverbs 3:5

    Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, And don't lean on your own understanding.

  • Matthew 6:14

    "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

  • Romans 12:19

    Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."

  • Matthew 5:44

    But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,

  • Ephesians 4:26-27

    [26] "Be angry, and don't sin." Don't let the sun go down on your wrath, [27] neither give place to the devil.

  • 1 Peter 5:6-7

    [6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; [7] casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.

  • Proverbs 15:1

    A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

  • 2 Timothy 2:23-26

    [23] But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. [24] The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, [25] in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, [26] and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.

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