We hear the weariness and pain in your heart and we join with you in bringing it before the Lord in Jesus' name. Feeling abused, rejected, and tired from going back to those who hurt you is a heavy burden, and it is right to ask Jesus to be your strength and to show you your true worth in Him.
We want to gently encourage you that your worth is not determined by how others treat you, and it is not found in whether they give you the respect and decency you long for. Your worth is established by God Himself. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, Psalm 139:14, and you are deeply loved and redeemed through the blood of Jesus. When we feel crushed and rejected, we cling to this promise, Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit, Psalm 34:18. We also remember, When my father and my mother forsake me, then Yahweh will take me up, Psalm 27:10. Even when people fail us, God does not forsake us.
We also want to lovingly address the pattern of going back to those who hurt you. God calls us to forgiveness, but forgiveness does not mean we must remain in or repeatedly return to abusive or harmful relationships. We are to guard our hearts with wisdom, Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life, Proverbs 4:23. And we are told, If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men, Romans 12:18. That phrase as much as it is up to you reminds us that we cannot control another person's anger, hatred, or rejection, and we are not called to endure ongoing abuse to keep a false peace. The Lord wants you to be strong in Him, not by staying in harm's way, but by setting godly boundaries and seeking safe, biblical community where you can heal. For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:7.
We understand why you feel that prayers for those who show such anger and hatred toward God's people are in vain, yet we want to encourage you that no prayer offered in Jesus' name is ever in vain. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective, James 5:16, and God's word does not return void. At the same time, God does not force a person to repent. We can pray for their salvation and for God to soften their heart, while also entrusting justice to Him, Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord, Romans 12:19. You can release that person into God's hands and step away from the cycle of abuse, trusting that He sees every hurt and will act in His perfect time. Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up, Galatians 6:9.
We know the longing for respect and decency for you and your loved ones is deep and valid. God does see the injustice, and He will honor those who walk with Him, but our ultimate comfort is not in whether others finally treat us as we deserve, but in knowing that Jesus Himself was despised and rejected yet is now exalted, and He promises rest to the weary. Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest, Matthew 11:28. He will give you strength for each day, Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness, Isaiah 41:10.
We pray together for you now.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before You and lift up this dear one who is weary from rejection and abuse. Lord, we ask You to be their strength when they feel weak and to reveal to them their priceless worth as Your child, created in Your image and bought with the blood of Jesus. Heal the wounds of past hurts and give wisdom and courage to no longer return to those who cause harm, but to walk in the power, love and self-control You have given. We cast all worries on You because You care for us, 1 Peter 5:7. Lord, we also lift up those who are filled with anger and hatred toward Your people. We ask that You would convict their hearts, draw them to repentance, and bring them to salvation in Jesus, yet we entrust them to Your justice and ask You to protect Your child from further harm. Give peace to this heart, surround them and their loved ones with godly people who will show respect, decency and Christlike love, and let them find their rest and identity fully in You. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, our only hope and our access to You, Amen.