Hurt (adjective) People Hurt (verb) People

Whenever I see someone lash out at another person, I’ve grown to ask myself, “What are they hurting from?” You see, pain is perpetuating. Hurt (adjective) people hurt (verb) people. This is why I make love a priority every day I’m blessed with another one to live.

Won’t you join me to make love a priority this day? Is it more important to be right when you argue, or are you motivated primarily by love for lost people? Chose the latter.

Do you seek to treat a person with love, no matter what is going on? If love is not a priority for you, repent this day and strive to make expressing love part of your nature. I’m far from where I want to be in this area, however, kindly let me share what I’m doing with the end goal to master the art of loving lost people.

Some of us, including me, have endured traumatic events in our lives, and because of God’s grace, we have survived, been redeemed, and been given a new mind and heart. This isn’t the case for everyone. The very pain and turmoil some have experienced is what led them to turn from God. Because of that, their viewpoint will look quite different from ours.

When someone hurts us or someone else, there is usually an underlying reason for it. It’s ok to allow yourself or the other victim to feel the pain, but ask God for the strength to endure and forgive the offender. Relinquish the right to get even, and let God settle the score according to His timeline and wisdom. When you do that, you’re free to express love. You are free to see the offender as a person who is hurting. You’re able to see them as someone of value because God created them in the same image as you. You can demonstrate humility and empathy and understand you are representing God’s Spirit. In fact, you might be the catalyst that God uses to change their life.

Often, when we’re hurt or when someone simply disagrees with us, our anger rises and we want to defend ourselves. It’s in these moments where we can, and should, speak the truth, but simultaneously allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to control our response. When we talk and walk with the Spirit as our Helper, we exhibit His fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. The best thing for us to do is represent God’s character by showing love, respect, and empathy, all covered with equal parts truth and grace.

When you have a new mind and heart, you’re equipped to share His light. You’re empowered to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility treat others more valuable than yourself. Yes, even those who hurt or disagree with you.

Sure, you may think I’m weird. Sure, it may be a little awkward. But, He’s called me to help.

Please join me in setting aside pride, seeking humility, and loving others whatever the cost. Remember that hurt people hurt people and they need someone like us in their lives to model God’s loving heart. Let’s rally around that shared purpose and vision.

Unity is not uniformity. It’s not about being right, or the same, or agreeing all the time. Unity is when a group of people is characterized by a shared purpose, vision, and direction. May that direction be loving lost people in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We change the world one heart, one person at a time. The world can be a better place because you were born into it. And I’m grateful that you were.