Dealing with Mean People

• When you are the victim of cruelty ... escape if possible and appropriate. Luke 4:28-30, Acts 9:23-25 • When you are the victim of cruelty ... do not retaliate. Romans 12:17, Matthew 5:38-39 • When you are the victim of cruelty ... pray for your abuser. Matthew 5:43-44, Luke 6:27-28 • When you are the victim of cruelty ... forgive as quickly as possible. Hebrews 12:15 • When you are the victim of cruelty ... trust in God’s care even though He seems distant. Mark 15:34, Jeremiah 15:21 If you have been the victim of some form of cruelty, ask yourself if you are holding on to hurt in a way that is allowing bitterness to destroy your inner peace and your life with God and others. Take some time to ask God to help you forgive those who have hurt you, and pray that He would transform their lives and make them into new people.