Encouraging a child to overcome the hurt caused by an adult's bad behavior requires compassion, empathy, and the use of Scripture to remind them of their inherent worth and God’s purpose for their life. Here's how to approach this with God’s Word as a guide:

1. Affirm Their Worth in God’s Eyes

  • Scripture to Share: "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)
  • Message: Remind the child that they are beautifully and intentionally made by God. Their value is not determined by how others treat them but by God’s unchanging love and purpose for them.

2. Teach Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom

  • Scripture to Share: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
  • Message: Explain that forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing the bad behavior but letting go of the burden of anger or sadness. This frees their heart to focus on the blessings God has in store for them.

3. Encourage Resilience and Hope in God

  • Scripture to Share: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
  • Message: Let them know that God gives them the strength to rise above hurtful experiences. They are never alone in their struggles because God walks with them.

4. Help Them See God’s Plan Beyond the Hurt

  • Scripture to Share: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
  • Message: Assure them that even though they’ve been hurt, God can use their experiences to make them stronger and to bless others in the future.

5. Reassure Them of God’s Love and Protection

  • Scripture to Share: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
  • Message: Let them know that God cares deeply for their pain and promises to comfort and heal their hearts.

6. Empower Them with a Spirit of Courage

  • Scripture to Share: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)
  • Message: Encourage them to be courageous and to not let the negative behavior of others define their future.

Practical Steps:

  1. Create a Safe Space: Let them express their feelings without judgment. Reassure them that their feelings are valid.
  2. Pray Together: Teach them to bring their hurt to God in prayer, asking for healing and guidance.
  3. Set Positive Goals: Help them focus on the future and the talents God has given them.
  4. Model Forgiveness and Strength: Show them how to forgive and trust God through your own actions.

Closing Thought:

With God’s Word as their foundation, children can learn to overcome the pain caused by others. Remind them that they are not defined by the actions of others but by God’s love, which never fails. They are called to live a life of joy, hope, and purpose, empowered by His strength.

Location: Atlanta, GA, USA

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