The phrase “hurt people hurt people” was first witnessed and coined in the year 1959 in the newspaper in Amarillo, TX. The phrase was later echoed and made more popular by a church pastor in 1979 when he decided to post it on the church bulletin board (according to my reference source).
Whereas I concur the old saying is very true there is one truth that might be overlooked. The bible verse in the book of Proverbs is to “guard our hearts with all diligence” (Proverbs 4:23). When a person is acting as the guardian of their own heart they are acting as the one who creates resilience against the firey words those might send to them. Guarding one’s heart also means taking care of one’s own healing so that when darts are slung at them they bounce off. Negativity can not affect a positive mindset and a healed heart.
No matter what others might sling at us through their own hurt it is up to us to personally care for our own hearts. Guarding a heart does not mean closing it off and hardening it. It’s important to remain pliable and loving. Guarding means having wisdom and choosing our battles well. Some battles are worth fighting to teach and learn but some are better walking away from. After all, Karma is a great teacher!
So before you go stating how “hurt people hurt people” as true as it might be, remember your responsibility to guard your own heart to make sure you are not the one who is hurting others back. It’s still all the same concept. Stop the bleeding, go to God, and guard your heart with truth, healing, and love!
Loving you from here,
Dr. Rev. Jenine Marie Howry
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie
Doctor of Spiritual Psychology and Master Spiritual Coach
Reference:
Bible Reference: Proverbs 4:23
Hubbard, PC., (2023) “Repeat Words Repeat Words”, Medium
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 