Has someone hurt you, betrayed you, misjudged you, mistreated you—breaking your heart? 

If so, your heart has been attacked…. 

When my children were little I worked really hard to teach them not to say harsh words to each other. If one of them told me the other had said something mean, I'd reply with this, “when you say something mean or do something to hurt your sibling, you've injured their person-hood and you need to pay restitution.”  

This restitution meant the perpetrator had to apologize and perform chores as repayment for the infraction.

Though this was weird language for 7 and 8 year olds, my point was that mean words and harsh actions are harmful to the well-being of others. 

All of us have been hurt by someone (be it intentional or non-intentional). In most cases restitution is never paid.  When our hearts have been attached—broken, there is always help. 

Psalm 34:18 reminds us of this, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” 

When our heart has been broken, God has the power to mend it and save us from the devastating consequences of pain inflicted by others.  

Truth is, we can't determine or prevent what others say and do. Nor can we depend on their willingness to admit and pay restitution for their offenses toward us. But one thing is for sure, God is a present help and always here to heal our broken hearts and empower us to grow stronger and be better as a result of the experience.

So, if you are experiencing heart-ache because of the actions of someone else know that you can move forward in peace and prosperity.  Seek God’s strength and His help.