hurt people hurt people

hurt people hurt people

that is not a typo
it is something I read or heard that has stuck with me
read it again, out loud if you can

four words,
technically only two I guess,
but a lot of truth is spoken when they are strung together in that order

people who are hurting tend to be the ones who are hurting other people
some are are very much aware and intentional
others are merely reacting to forces they don't understand

hurting people are real and are all around us
sometimes we are the hurting people
sometimes we are the ones hurting people

hurt people hurt people
and there seems to be an over abundance of them right now
how can we help?

act, don't react
show love
be patient
extend forgiveness
choose kindness
exercise grace
lavishly, like Jesus

 ^"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:14-21

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35