One of the hardest commands in the Bible is to love people who hurt us. When someone wrongs us, our natural reaction is frequently to take revenge, get resentful, or retreat. However, the teachings of the Bible verses about loving those who hurt you are fundamentally different and represent God’s essence. We are commanded to show grace, forgive, and even love to those who abuse us rather than pursue retribution. Although it’s difficult, we can accomplish this because of the strength of Christ inside us.
When Jesus pleaded for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him, He was demonstrating this tremendous love. The apostles kept reiterating this lesson, telling us that kindness can soften even the toughest heart and that love overcomes hatred. Because God loves us even while we were His enemies because of our sin, we emulate Him when we choose to love those who have wronged us. While it does not justify wrongdoing, this type of love offers a better alternative—choosing compassion over condemnation.
These lessons are more important than ever in a world full with deception, conflict, and strained relationships. In friendships, families, the business, and even the church, people injure one another. However, God’s Word provides us with direction and fortitude to overcome resentment and live with forgiveness in our hearts. By doing this, we bring God’s healing into our life and become free from resentment.
You will be inspired, challenged, and prepared to fulfill this remarkable calling by this compilation of thirty potent Bible verses about loving people who have wronged you. Each verse shows the transformational power of God’s Spirit, the beauty of forgiveness, and the tenacity of love. May the love that only comes from God soothe your heart, heal your scars, and mend your relationships as you reflect on these verses.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Loving Those Who Hurt You in 2025
1. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus directly challenges our natural instincts by commanding us to love our enemies. Loving those who persecute us doesn’t mean approving of their actions but choosing to rise above hatred. Prayer softens our hearts and brings God into the situation, transforming both us and those who hurt us. It is through prayer that love becomes possible even in the most painful circumstances.
2. Luke 6:27–28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Here, Jesus gives practical steps on how to love those who hurt us. Instead of reacting with anger, we are called to actively do good, bless, and pray for them. This response goes against human reasoning but reflects divine love. When we choose kindness over retaliation, we break the cycle of hatred and allow God’s light to shine through us.
3. Romans 12:20
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Paul reminds us that loving those who hurt us involves tangible acts of kindness. Feeding and caring for an enemy demonstrates love in action, which can bring conviction and repentance. The “burning coals” represent the shame and remorse an enemy may feel when confronted with undeserved kindness. In this way, love becomes a powerful tool for transformation.
4. Proverbs 25:21–22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
This Old Testament wisdom mirrors the New Testament teaching of Paul, showing the consistency of God’s call to love even in difficult situations. Loving our enemies not only impacts them but also invites God’s blessing upon us. Choosing to act in love when wronged demonstrates faith in God’s justice and His ability to reward those who walk in obedience.
5. Ephesians 4:31–32
“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.”
Paul urges believers to remove destructive emotions such as bitterness and malice, which often arise when we’ve been hurt. Instead, he calls us to replace them with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. The foundation of this forgiveness is Christ’s example—God forgave us when we least deserved it. In the same way, we are to extend grace to those who hurt us, reflecting the mercy of God.
6. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This verse acknowledges the reality of human conflict. People will offend us, and we will feel grievances. Yet the command is clear: forgive as the Lord forgave. God’s forgiveness is unconditional and complete; therefore, our forgiveness should not depend on whether the other person apologizes. When we choose to forgive, we imitate God’s heart and free ourselves from resentment.
7. 1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Peter teaches that Christians are called to a higher standard of response. Instead of retaliating with evil or insults, we are commanded to respond with blessing. This countercultural response not only prevents escalation but also positions us to receive God’s blessing. By choosing love over revenge, we demonstrate our trust in God’s justice.
8. Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse reminds us that our words hold power in moments of conflict. Responding with gentleness rather than harshness can defuse anger and prevent further hurt. Loving those who hurt us often begins with choosing words that bring peace rather than fueling hostility. By practicing gentleness, we reflect Christ’s humility and create space for reconciliation.
9. Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
At the height of His suffering on the cross, Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him. This is the ultimate demonstration of loving those who hurt you. Even in agony, He chose forgiveness. His example sets the standard for believers: love and pray for those who harm you, entrusting justice to God.
10. Romans 12:17–18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Paul acknowledges the challenge of living at peace with others but calls us to do our part. While we cannot control others’ actions, we can control our responses. By refusing to repay evil with evil, we disarm conflict and demonstrate God’s peace. Loving those who hurt us involves striving for peace whenever possible, even if reconciliation takes time.
11. Matthew 6:14–15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Forgiveness is not optional—it is tied to our relationship with God. Jesus teaches that our willingness to forgive directly affects our fellowship with the Father. Holding on to unforgiveness hinders spiritual growth, while releasing it brings freedom. Loving those who hurt us means forgiving them, even when it is painful, because we have been forgiven much more.
12. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Paul’s description of love challenges us to examine our hearts when dealing with those who hurt us. True love is patient, kind, and forgiving—it refuses to keep a record of wrongs. Loving others this way is not natural but supernatural, made possible through God’s Spirit. Choosing to love in this manner reflects the very character of Christ.
13. 1 John 4:20
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
John emphasizes the inseparable link between loving God and loving others. If we claim to love God but harbor hatred toward others, our love for Him is questionable. Even when others hurt us, we are commanded to love them because it is evidence of our genuine relationship with God. Love for others is the true mark of Christian faith.
14. Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Loving those who hurt us can be exhausting, especially when they continue to cause pain. Paul encourages us not to give up in showing kindness and love, assuring us that God sees our perseverance. In due time, our love will bear fruit, whether in changed hearts, restored relationships, or spiritual growth in us.
15. James 1:19–20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
James highlights the importance of patience and self-control in relationships. When hurt, it is easy to respond with anger, but this does not honor God. Instead, listening and responding slowly allows room for love and understanding. Loving those who hurt us involves choosing restraint, seeking peace, and allowing God’s Spirit to guide our reactions.
16. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
Paul warns against retaliation, urging believers to break the cycle of vengeance. Instead of repaying evil with evil, Christians are called to actively seek the good of all, even those who cause harm. Loving those who hurt us involves intentional choices—choosing goodness over bitterness and peace over revenge.
17. Matthew 18:21–22
“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.’”
Peter’s question reflects the struggle we all face—how many times must we forgive? Jesus’ response shows that forgiveness should not be counted but continually given. True love forgives without limit, modeling the unending mercy of God. This challenges us to let go of grudges and walk in continual grace toward those who hurt us.
18. Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God loved us even when we were His enemies through sin. This sacrificial love is the foundation of our call to love those who hurt us. Just as God extended grace to us in our undeserving state, we are to extend love and forgiveness to others. Our love reflects God’s unconditional love and points others to the gospel.
19. 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
This simple yet powerful command covers every aspect of life. Loving those who hurt us is not optional—it is a part of “everything.” Every word, response, and action should be marked by love. Choosing love in difficult moments demonstrates obedience to God and allows His Spirit to shine through us.
20. Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
Hatred fuels division and strife, while love has the power to heal wounds and restore peace. This verse teaches us that love doesn’t erase wrongdoing but covers it with grace, refusing to let bitterness take root. Loving those who hurt us transforms conflict into opportunities for reconciliation.
21. Hebrews 12:14–15
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
Bitterness can spread like poison, affecting not just us but those around us. The writer of Hebrews urges us to pursue peace and holiness by extending grace. Loving those who hurt us prevents bitterness from taking root and ensures that God’s grace flows through our lives.
22. Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
God calls His people to love mercy as part of true obedience. Loving those who hurt us is an expression of mercy, choosing compassion instead of judgment. When we walk humbly with God, we mirror His mercy toward others, demonstrating His heart of love.
23. Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Jesus promises a special blessing for those who pursue peace. Loving those who hurt us often requires stepping into the role of a peacemaker, seeking reconciliation instead of division. When we make peace, we show the world that we are true children of God, reflecting His nature of love and harmony.
24. 2 Timothy 2:24–25
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
Paul advises Timothy to respond to opposition with kindness and patience, not resentment. Loving those who hurt us means correcting them with gentleness rather than anger. This approach opens the door for God to work in their hearts, leading them to repentance and truth.
25. Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
The psalmist calls us to actively turn from evil and choose goodness, even in the face of hurt. Pursuing peace requires intentional effort and humility. Loving those who hurt us aligns us with God’s will and allows His peace to rule our hearts.
26. 1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
True love goes beyond words—it must be shown through actions. Loving those who hurt us requires more than saying we forgive them; it involves demonstrating love through kindness, prayer, and compassion. This kind of love reflects the truth of Christ’s love in us.
27. Philippians 2:3–4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Paul encourages believers to live with humility, valuing others even when they cause pain. Loving those who hurt us means setting aside pride and selfish desires, choosing humility instead. This attitude reflects the selflessness of Christ, who laid down His life for us.
28. Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
God’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves extends even to those who wrong us. Holding grudges only harms our own hearts, while forgiveness brings freedom. Loving those who hurt us honors God and fulfills His law of love.
29. John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Jesus sets the ultimate standard for love—His own sacrificial love. Loving those who hurt us is possible when we draw from Christ’s example. Just as He loved us unconditionally, we are called to extend that same love to others, no matter how difficult it may be.
30. Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Showing mercy is at the heart of loving those who hurt us. Mercy chooses compassion over judgment and forgiveness over condemnation. When we extend mercy, we receive mercy from God, experiencing His grace in deeper ways. Loving those who hurt us brings blessing, healing, and spiritual growth.
Conclusion
One of the hardest things in the Christian life is loving people who have wronged us, but it’s also one of the most effective ways we can show how Christ feels. Even when someone mistreats us, the Bible exhorts us to be nice, forgiving, and blessing them. These verses serve as a reminder that love is determined by God’s love for us, not by how other people treat us. We enter the freedom of forgiveness and let God mend our hearts when we choose love over resentment.
Living out this rule does not include denying suffering or acting as though cruel deeds are acceptable. Rather, it means choosing to respond with mercy while entrusting justice to God. Love has the capacity to change circumstances, soften people’s hearts, and end the hate cycle. Loving others puts our hearts in line with God’s will and releases us from resentment, even when others don’t change. Christ’s power at work inside us is demonstrated by every act of kindness, every prayer for our adversaries, and every step toward forgiveness.
After all, we are not capable of loving those who have wronged us on our own. It takes the assistance of the Holy Spirit, who makes it possible for us to be compassionate when our hearts are tempted to be angry and to forgive when it seems impossible. We become more like Christ—the One who forgave His persecutors and gave His life for those who rejected Him—as we reflect on these verses and let God’s Word guide our reactions. As you travel the challenging but worthwhile path of love, forgiveness, and mercy, may these 30 potent Bible verses on loving those who have wronged you provide you with support, courage, and direction.
