7 Practical Tips for Dealing with Hurt and Offenses as a Christian

Sometimes it’s a passing comment. Other times, it’s deep betrayal. It may come from friends, family, coworkers, or even fellow Christians. And when offenses happen, we’re left with a choice: hold on to the pain or walk the path of healing.

As Christians, we know we're called to forgive. But how do we actually do that when our hearts feel heavy? The Bible gives us both truth and tools, spiritually and practically.

Here are 7 Christ-centered tips to help you deal with hurt and offense in a way that leads to peace, not bitterness.

1. Acknowledge the Hurt Honestly

Healing begins with honesty. Suppressing pain or acting like it didn’t hurt only delays healing. Even Jesus, fully God and fully man, wept and expressed sorrow (John 11:35).
When we acknowledge our pain, we invite God into the real place of our need.

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NKJV)

Reflect: What exactly hurt you? Name it before God in prayer or journaling.

2. Bring Your Pain to God First

People may listen, but only God can truly heal. Venting may feel good momentarily, but only casting your burden on God will truly lighten your soul.

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” — Psalm 55:22 (NKJV)

Pray: Be raw and real with God. Tell Him how it made you feel and what you need from Him.

3. Choose Not to Retaliate

Everything in our flesh wants to get even or defend ourselves, but God calls us to respond with love, not revenge.

“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing…” — 1 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)

Forgiveness does not mean trust is instantly restored or boundaries disappear, but it means you refuse to let bitterness rule.

Practice: When you feel tempted to “clap back,” pause, pray, and ask God to help you rise above the offense.

4. Set Healthy Boundaries Without Bitterness

Forgiveness doesn’t always mean full restoration. Some people may continue to hurt you if they remain unrepentant. Setting boundaries isn’t unloving; it’s wise and biblical.

Jesus often withdrew from crowds and toxic situations (Luke 5:16), not because He was angry, but because He was protecting His peace and purpose.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

Ask: What kind of space do you need in this season for emotional and spiritual healing?

5. Communicate with Grace and Courage

If it’s safe and appropriate, speak with the person who hurt you. Jesus outlines this in Matthew 18:15.
Don’t accuse, express. Don’t aim to win, aim to restore.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” — Matthew 18:15 (NKJV)

Reminder: Peace doesn’t always require a perfect conversation, but it does require a willing heart.

6. Choose Forgiveness, Daily If Needed

Forgiveness is a decision we may have to make over and over. It's not a one-time emotional release, it’s a spiritual discipline.

Unforgiveness keeps you chained to the hurt. But forgiveness, even when it doesn’t "feel" good yet, invites God's healing into your soul.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

Speak: “Lord, I release this offense. Help my emotions follow my obedience.”

7. Let God Redeem the Pain

God doesn’t waste our wounds. He uses them—sometimes to mature us, other times to minister to others. Your testimony may bring healing to someone else down the road.

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…” — Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)

Healing isn’t linear. But with Jesus, healing is always possible. Don’t let offense steal your joy. Let it become the soil where God grows something beautiful.

Conclusion

You’re not weak for being hurt. You’re human. And you’re not foolish for forgiving, you’re walking in freedom.
The road to healing isn’t always easy, but it is worth it. When you bring your pain to God and respond His way, you trade heaviness for healing.

Your heart matters to God and He will heal every part of it.