The 1940’s song says, ‘You always hurt the one you love’. Unfortunately, this is so easily done. It is those we are closest to with whom we are most vulnerable and who are most vulnerable to us who are most easily hurt by our words and actions, even if not intentionally. That is part of what makes us human and can enrich us, but it can also be a source of pain.
Relationships are difficult because we are all, to some extent, selfish. We are also complex with a range of needs, motivations and behaviours. These things are not always compatible with those of others and it is at those touch points where pain can ensue.
Not surprisingly, Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:2 and Colossians 3:13 to ‘bear with on another’. In other words, to make room for one another’s foibles and mistakes realising that not all of us are perfect. It is also why Jesus told us to practice forgiveness towards each other. These two actions will make the world (the big wide world and the world we inhabit, as well as the internal world of our souls) a better place.
God bless.