A Poem for the Hurting: “Don’t Cut, I Was Cut for You”
I know what it feels like to be hurt to the extent to which hurting yourself feels like the outlet for that pain.
But Christ came to take that pain away.
He was bruised for you and me, so we might become whole.
As I tussled with this poem thinking about what to say and how to say it, He captured my words and my voice and wanted to say it His way… by Himself.
These are the words he’d like to say to you.
He says:
“Don’t cut.
I was cut for you.
Don’t self-harm.
I was harmed for you.
Don’t bleed.
I already bled for you.
Don’t you see that
I really care for you?
I love you.
I was deeply pierced for you.
So don’t do that to you
beautiful child,
don’t do that to you.
I’m here
to take the pain for you.
Don’t cut.
I was cut for you.”
Faith and Self-Harm
When pain overwhelms your heart, self-harm may seem like the only way to cope—a way to make the invisible hurt tangible. But the invisible God witnesses your suffering, hears your cries, and shares in your visible pain. He endured pain and wounds on our behalf, offering us healing through His shed blood.
Isaiah 53:5 proclaims, “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”
Jesus didn’t just die for our sins; He also entered into our suffering, hurts, and broken places. He comprehends what we endure—our numbness, struggles, and pain—and offers His love, peace, and presence as powerful alternatives to self-harm.
Don’t let pain carve itself into your weary mind and body, enslaving you. Instead, seek refuge in the One who willingly accepted harm for your sake and bled it away—a liberating Savior who desires to heal your soul and make you whole.
Immediate Support
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.):
Call or text 988 anytime, 24/7 — free and confidential.
Christian Counseling & Support
Grace Alliance – Mental Health & Faith Resources
www.mentalhealthgracealliance.org
Offers Christ-centered support groups, self-guided recovery tools, and resources for individuals, families, and churches.
NAMI
Mental health support & education.
nami.org