How Does God Expect You to Love People Who’ve Hurt You?

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES Life's Healing Choices

How Does God Expect You to Love People Who've Hurt You? By Rick Warren — Jul 15, 2015 “Hate stirs up trouble, but love forgives all offenses.” (Proverbs 10:12 TEV) Maybe as a child you were hurt by an adult — a teacher, a family member, maybe even your parents. The Bible says that there will be severe judgment for child abuse, neglect, and abandonment; one day God is going to settle the score on that. When God says, “Honor your father and mother,” he’s not saying honor their sins or their selfishness or their poor decisions. He’s not saying ignore the pain in your life and put on a happy face and pretend everything’s great. So what does God expect? How does he expect you to love the destructive people who’ve hurt you? He doesn’t expect you to ignore it. He’s not asking you to gloss over it or deny it or repress it or make excuses for the people who’ve hurt you. God doesn’t want you to fake it; he wants you to face it, because you can’t forgive until you face your hurt. You’ve got to stop running, and you’ve got to stop blaming. If you’re going to become the loving woman or man that God wants you to be, you’re going to have to deal now with the destruction someone’s caused in your past. If you’re still angry with a parent or anybody else, you’re still allowing that person to control you. Don’t allow that any more. You’ve got to deal with the anger. You’ve got to face it before you can forgive it. Proverbs 10:12 says, “Hate stirs up trouble, but love forgives all offenses” (TEV). I don’t know who you need to forgive, but I do know today’s the day. Love lets it go. Love forgives. Because they deserve it? No. Because it’s what God did for you, and it’s the only way to be free. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over What offenses in your life are you still holding on to? What is the effect on your life when you forgive someone? How does it change you? How can you honor someone who may have hurt you in the past? Our Gift: 40 Days of Love Study Kit Most people want to be closer to God and experience more fulfilling relationships. Jesus gave us the keys to accomplish this when he taught us that of all God's commands only two are most important: Love God with all your heart and love your neighbors as yoursef. This sounds so easy, but we struggle in this area. That's why Pastor Rick developed the 40 Days of Love Study Kit. This unigue tool will equip you to fulfill the two greatest commandments. And, as you learn to live a love powered life you will grow closer to God and others. You'll become more like Jesus! LEARN MORE Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes all complete sermons from the Rick Warren 40 Days of Love teaching series. LEARN MORE Series Summary Message 1: Love Matters Most Message 2: ​​Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind Message 3: ​​Love Speaks the Truth Message 4: ​​Love Is Forgiving Message 5: ​​Love Isn't Selfish Message 6: The ​Habits of a Loving Heart PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at rickwarren.org. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America. This devotional © 2015 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe