How Jesus Handled Hurt Feelings and Mistreatment

Yes, Jesus had a deeply sensitive nature and experienced the pain of being misunderstood, rejected, and mistreated by those He came to saveGW 117.1+1. While He felt the sting of cruelty and the grief of being forsaken, He never allowed these feelings to turn into a spirit of retaliation or bitterness1SG 51.1+1.

The Feelings of Jesus

Jesus was not indifferent to the way people treated Him. He possessed fine feelings and a sensitive soul that was often tortured by the atmosphere of misapprehension, even within His own homeGW 117.1+1.

• Deep Sorrow: He was a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, feeling the weight of human ingratitude and the hiding of His Father’s face Psalms 22:1Con 62.1+2.

• Emotional Pain: When He was mocked, spit upon, and insulted, He felt the meanest abuse keenly Matthew 26:671SG 51.1+1.

• Compassion Over Offense: Although His sensitive nature was pained by the coarse words of others, He did not cast angry looks upon His offenders but manifested a deep tenderness for humanityGW 117.1+2.

How to Deal with Feeling Hurt or Offended

Feeling easily pained or slighted is often a sign that we are being exercised by a spirit of pride or self-will rather than the grace of Christ4LtMs, Lt 10, 1886, par. 19+1. To overcome these feelings, you can follow these principles:

• Look to the Cross: When you feel that the way is too hard or that you have been treated unfairly, contemplate the sufferings of Jesus1T 240.2+1. Ask yourself what He gave up for you; this puts any personal self-denial or injury into the shade1T 240.2.

• Resist the Enemy: Satan often uses your sensitivity to lead you into a battlefield of discouragement and distorted views8MR 418.1+1. Recognize that these feelings of being abused or neglected are often his work to turn you away from Christ20MR 134.4+1.

• Practice Forbearance and Silence: You can preserve peace and guard your own soul by guarding your tongue and refusing to introduce matters that create strife5MR 363.4+1. It is better to tell your differences only to God rather than brooding over them or blaming others5MR 363.4+1.

• Cultivate Meekness: True meekness is not cowardice; it is the preservation of self-control under provocationST August 22, 1895, par. 3. It means bearing insult and reproach without retaliating, just as Jesus didRH September 8, 1885, par. 8.

• Pray for Strength: Ask the Lord to remove evil from your heart and to give you the healing balm of His peace21MR 25.1+1. Remember that the trials you face are intended to develop your character and prepare you for a future reward Deuteronomy 33:2520MR 134.4+1.

• Be Sensitive to God's Law: Instead of being sensitive about personal reflections or perceived slights, redirect that sensitivity toward whether you are keeping or breaking the law of God3T 360.2+1.

By dwelling on the goodness of God and the sacrifice of Christ, your heart and mind can find rest like a tired child in the arms of its mother2MCP 513.1. He knows the griefs that are too deep for human ears, and He promises that His kindness will never depart from you Isaiah 54:10DA 483.1.