Hit by Friendly Fire – Part One
What to do when you are hurt by another believer
One shot. One moment. A misunderstanding. A cross word. An unintended offense.
When these things happen within the body of Christ to one another, a unique kind of wound can form that can last decades or even a lifetime.
There is scarcely a wound more painful than the one inflicted by a friend. When the blow comes not from the outside but from within the camp—from someone trusted, perhaps even loved—the ache reverberates through both soul and spirit. In this two-part sermon series, Hit by Friendly Fire, I invite you to reflect on a moment from the life of King David that many of us can relate to more than we’d care to admit.
Drawing from the Psalms and the trials of David’s reign, we consider the spiritual, emotional, and relational costs of betrayal, and more importantly, how the grace of God meets us in the aftermath. There is healing not only for the victim but also for the Church when we bring these hidden wounds before the Lord.
This message is adapted from my book, "Hit by Friendly Fire: What to Do When Christians Hurt You," available now from Wipf and Stock Publishers: https://amzn.to/4dBPb1y
The Sunday Bible Message
Listen to Part One below.
Resources for Personal Study and Small Groups
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Hit by Friendly Fire Presentation
Hit by Friendly Fire: “Faith for Living Deep Dive” discussion
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Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
Have you ever experienced a time when someone within your Christian community caused you deep personal pain? (No need for names or clues to your Group, but) How did you respond?
Why do wounds from fellow believers often hurt more than those from others?
In Psalm 55, David laments betrayal by a close companion. Read verses 12–14. How do these words speak into your own experiences?
What are some biblical steps toward healing when you’ve been “hit by friendly fire”?
How can the Church be a place not only of accountability but of restoration for those who have caused harm?
What does it mean to “entrust our wounds to Christ,” and how can that become a testimony of grace?
Resources
Sunday Readings and Prayer
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, May 25
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
