But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you- Matthew 5:44
Dealing with critics can be a big challenge. It is hard, especially when they say things that hit below the belt—too personal and too sensitive a matter. How do you go on with life without letting critics get you down?
Here are 5 Ways To Deal With People Who Do Not Like You:
Understand them
Sometimes it’s because they have issues with themselves that they either refuse to resolve or maybe even refuse to acknowledge . What they hate about you 1.) could be the one thing they hate about themselves, or 2.) what they hate about you is really what they secretly admire about you. So when they have a problem with you, understand that it is nothing personal with you. It is their own personal issues. Try to walk a mile in their shoes and see things from their perspective. Instead of hating them you should feel sorry for them.
Be kind to them
Probably the hardest, yet the most character-defining thing you can do is to be kind to people who are unkind to you. Showing kindness is not dependent on what you receive from people. Showing kindness depends on your character. What you do or say to others does not define them…it defines you. Remember that how they see and treat you is a reflection and extension of how they see and treat themselves. Most unkind people are harsh with themselves. So they extend it to others around them.
Pray for them
Jesus Himself has had His share of critics and haters. He did not only ignore them and continued with His mission, He also prayed for them. He orders us to do the same; pray for those who persecute you. The curses you say towards others can come back to you, but so can the blessings. He also said that when you offer peace and the other person does not accept it, peace would come back to you. There is no losing on your part.
Ignore them
Some people will always have something to say no matter what. There’s no pleasing them. The best, first and simplest way to deal with them is not to mind what they have to say. Go on with your life. They will eventually stop when they see that you are indestructible.
Don’t Hate Them
Don’t hate them. Most of all, don’t let their hate turn you into a hater yourself. Forgive them, Pray for them, Be kind to them, and Love them!
