Overcoming the Wrong Done to Us: A Biblical Perspective

By Joe Cephus Bingham Sr.

In our lives, each of us will feel the sting of others wronging us. This can manifest in various ways: the pain of betrayal, the sting of harsh words, the breach of trust, or the anger caused by injustice. The weight of hurt can settle deep in our hearts. Every step forward feels like trudging through quicksand. It's as if the pain has taken up residence, refusing to vacate the premises. Scripture offers us a beacon of hope in these darkest moments, guiding us on a path towards healing. Instead of letting bitterness take over or seeking revenge, we can choose an alternative route. We can overcome wounds by embracing forgiveness, holding fast to faith, and leaning into God's grace. Forgiveness can be tough. Still, it helps us shed resentment and move toward a brighter future.

Recognizing the Reality of Hurt

The Bible offers a realistic view of human suffering, refusing to sugarcoat the depth of our pain. David, in the Psalms, frequently and candidly expressed his anguish and frustration to God, which is a striking example. In Psalm 13, he cries out in desperation, "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?" (Psalm 13:1-2, NIV). This raw, emotional plea resonates with the sentiments of countless people who have felt abandoned and sorrowful. David's words validate the pain we experience, acknowledging that it's okay to question God and express our doubts. By doing so, the Bible provides a safe space for us to process our emotions, rather than trying to suppress or deny them.

God comprehends the depth of our sorrow, every tear we cry. He recognizes the overwhelming pain of grief, the feeling of being lost and alone. Yet, amid our struggles, He encourages us to respond in ways that promote healing, rather than intensifying our wounds. This means forgiving, rather than holding onto anger. It means finding comfort in His presence, not in harmful habits. It also means trusting His plan rather than falling into despair. By doing so, we can transform our grief into a transformative experience that ultimately brings us closer to Him.

The Call to Forgive

One of the hardest commands in the Bible is to forgive those who hurt us. This goes against our instincts. However, forgiveness is not a suggestion or a recommendation for the believer—it's a mandatory obligation. Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiveness. He stressed, "If you forgive others when they wrong you, your heavenly Father will forgive you." "But if you don't forgive others, your Father won't forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:14-15, NIV). This lesson was not only a moral principle but also a practical application for daily life. Forgiveness is important. Without it, resentment and bitterness can grow, creating a toxic environment. Forgiveness has the power to heal relationships, free us from emotional burdens, and grant us peace of mind. After the years of apartheid, South Africa created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Its goal was to help victims and perpetrators find forgiveness and healing. This process allowed many to find closure and move forward, just as Jesus taught us to do. By choosing to forgive, we show our trust in God's justice and our willingness to release the weight of past hurts.

Forgiveness does not mean condoning what was done, nor does it always mean immediate reconciliation. Forgiveness is a choice to release the offense to God, freeing our hearts from the prison of bitterness.

Leaving Justice in God's Hands

When wronged, the natural desire is to seek revenge. Yet Paul reminds us: "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." (Romans 12:19, NIV).

God alone is the righteous judge. By trusting Him with justice, we release ourselves from the burden of trying to set everything right.

Choosing Love Over Hatred

Jesus raises the bar even higher: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44, NIV).

Praying for those who hurt us softens our hearts and keeps us aligned with God's will. Love does not excuse sin, but it chooses to act with compassion instead of vengeance.

Healing Through God's Strength

Overcoming wrongs is not something we can do in our own strength. It requires the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. Paul assures us: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13, NIV).

When we feel too weak to forgive or move forward, God gives us the strength to take the next step in grace.

Moving Forward in Freedom

The moment we forgive, let go, and trust God with the wrongs against us, we step into freedom. Unforgiveness chains us to the past, but forgiveness releases us into the future God has prepared.

As Paul declares: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV).

Final Thought

Overcoming the wrongs done to us is no simple feat, but through Christ, it is achievable. Forgiveness can seem like a weakness, but it reveals God's strength within us. When we give our pain to Him, we find healing. We also reflect Christ's compassion. He showed us unconditional forgiveness, even when we were lost in sin (Romans 5:8). Christ's selfless act on the cross shows divine forgiveness. This act offers hope and lights the way to healing and restoration. Following Christ's example helps us escape bitterness and resentment. This lets God's power change our lives.