People hurt when they are hurting. We know this, but when that pain is directed at us, it’s easy to forget.
Our first instinct? Fight back.
Cut deeper, hit harder, and pull out all the stops. Don’t admit where you’re wrong—just focus on where the other person is.
But here’s the truth: Hurtful words and actions often come from a place of deep pain. Instead of recognizing this, we continue the cycle. We absorb someone else’s pain, making it our own. We lash out, passing it along.
And yet, what’s truly hard is accepting the reality that everyone you know will, at some point, fail you.
The Reality of Human Imperfection
It may sound pessimistic, but it’s simply reality:
- At one point or another, every person you know will hurt you in some way.
- No one wants to be the cause of someone else’s pain, yet we all end up there—sometimes without even realizing it.
- Even the people you love most will disappoint you.
It sounds bleak, but it’s true.
The only exception to this reality is Jesus.
Jesus: The One Who Heals, Not Hurts
Jesus is the only one who can truly satisfy our souls.
He is the only one who heals our wounds rather than causing unintended pain.
He is the only one who never fails, never leaves, never wounds.
The problem? We lack an eternal perspective.
We see only the here and now, not the forever that Jesus calls us to fix our eyes upon. Instead of reacting with wisdom, we get caught in the moment. Instead of surrendering our pain to Christ, we hold onto it and let it fester.
Yet, God has given us this one life to live for His glory. And though we will stumble, hurt others, and be hurt in return, we can choose how we respond.
Choosing to Break the Cycle
We cannot change the reality of human imperfection.
We cannot prevent every wound, nor avoid every disappointment.
But we can control how we handle our pain.
- We can grab hold of our offense before it poisons our hearts.
- We can choose to forgive, even when it’s hard.
- We can reject bitterness before it takes root.
- We can respond like Jesus, choosing grace over retaliation.
The closer we get to Him, the clearer we see the truth:
✨ Jesus is the only answer.
✨ He is the only cure for what ails you.
✨ He is the only balm for your pain.
✨ He is the only example worth following.
When we walk in His way, we begin to hurt others less and love others more.
Shifting Our Focus to the Eternal
So often, we place too much value on things that will not last.
✔ Temporary things—possessions, status, relationships—will fade away.
✔ Eternal things—faith, love, obedience—will endure forever.
That’s why Jesus tells us:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” – Matthew 6:19-20
If we want to break free from the cycle of hurt and disappointment, we must:
