“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (NKJV).
Have you noticed that when you sustain a wound, how you care for it determines how well it heals? If you ignore it, an infection may develop and worsen the condition. However, if you clean it and apply the proper treatment, it gradually heals, and the pain subsides.
It’s the same with emotional or spiritual wounds.
In this fallen world, hurt is almost unavoidable. People will disappoint us. There will be betrayal, gossip, selfishness, ingratitude, sometimes even from those we least expect. It’s part of the brokenness inherent in human sinfulness. That’s why Jesus taught us to forgive ahead of time, to live ready to release offence even before it comes. When Peter asked how many times we should forgive, Jesus replied, “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22). In other words, keep forgiving.
Apostle Peter also reminds us to follow Christ’s example in how we handle hurt. Jesus suffered unjustly, yet He did not retaliate. Instead, He surrendered His pain to the Father, trusting that God is a just Judge who sees and restores (1 Peter 2:21-23). As believers, this is what we ought to do: to lay down our pain at His feet and trust Him to heal what people have broken.
Jesus didn’t just endure pain; He responded with love. Even on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). That’s divine strength. We may not feel like it, but God calls us to pursue peace with all people (Romans 12:18). Pursuing peace means choosing love when anger seems easier, and letting go when revenge feels justified. It is not weakness, it’s power under control.
When we refuse to deal with hurt, bitterness grows quietly in the heart. It breeds hatred, resentment, and unforgiveness, and before long, it opens a door for the enemy to gain ground. That’s why God wants us healed and free.
Finally, don’t waste your pain. There’s often a purpose tucked inside it. The Bible says that God will not allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear but will make a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Sometimes, that “escape” is not out of the situation, but through it, emerging stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. Those who have been comforted by God can then comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
Dear believer, your pain is not wasted. God can use it to birth a stronger, more beautiful you. The question is, will you let Him?
Bible Reading Plan: Isaiah 41–42; Philippians 3; 4:1-2