Satan, You Can’t Rule My EmotionsSample

Three Ways That We Wound Others

While we may often focus on our own pain, it’s important to recognize how we can inadvertently hurt others.

Our words, actions, and attitudes carry great influence, and without sensitivity to God’s Spirit, we risk leaving wounds in the lives of those around us. By addressing these behaviors, we can cultivate relationships that reflect Christ’s love and bring healing rather than harm.

Way #1: Wounds can be inflicted through offense.

To offend means to make someone angry or cause them displeasure. In some cases, people are highly sensitive and easily hurt despite your efforts not to offend them. Sometimes, they may simply need to mature. Yet there are some people who love to offend others. It is their delight. The Bible cautions us against having such an attitude.

“Woe (judgment is coming) to the world because of stumbling blocks and temptations to sin! It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to the person on whose account or through whom the stumbling block comes!” —Matthew 18:7

Way #2: Wounds can be inflicted with words.

The power of words cannot be underestimated. Proverbs 18:8 says, “The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten]. They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon].”

Gossip, like “dainty morsels,” may seem harmless on the surface but sinks deeply into the heart, causing lasting damage. Words spoken carelessly or maliciously have the power to scar someone’s spirit in ways that may take years to heal.

James 3:5–6 further emphasizes this, comparing the tongue to a small spark capable of igniting a destructive wildfire: “See [by comparison] how great a forest is set on fire by a small spark! And the tongue is [in a sense] a fire, the very world of injustice and unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our members as that which contaminates the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life [the cycle of man’s existence], and is itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna).”

Gossip, criticism, or harsh words can contaminate relationships and even an entire community. As believers, we must be mindful of how we use our words, ensuring they build up rather than tear down. Speaking with grace, truth, and love reflects the character of Christ and helps foster healing instead of harm.

Way 3: Wounds can be inflicted when we are inconsiderate.

Inconsiderate actions, whether intentional or unintentional, can deeply wound others. Ephesians 4:2 calls believers to approach others with humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love. However, when we act out of selfishness or pride, we disregard the feelings and needs of others. Philippians 2:3 warns that we are to “do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.”

Small actions—like dismissing someone’s pain, failing to acknowledge their contributions, or speaking thoughtlessly—can create lasting hurt. By prioritizing love and selflessness, we not only honor others but also reflect God’s heart toward His people. God wants us to consider others and be careful about the way we treat them.