Do you ever feel like there are people in your life who just don't want to see you succeed? Like they're always putting you down or making you doubt yourself? You're not alone. We all face negative people at times, and it can be really tough. But don't worry – if you’re wondering how to deal with negative people in your life, there are ways to break free from their influence and keep moving forward in the purpose God has for your life.
How to Deal With Negative People
Did you know that God has a special plan for each one of us? The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 that God has plans to give us hope and a future. These plans will often bring about some sort of change in our lives – and not everyone in our lives is going to understand or support these changes.
When you take a step forward in faith, it may be interpreted by others as a step backward for them. They may feel threatened or hostile toward your newfound vision, or they might be skeptical. You might start to hear little jabs – even from friends or family members – like “You don’t have what it takes,” or “Do you seriously believe that?”
How can you deal with a negative person in your life, remain positive, and continue to move toward God’s purpose for your life? God gives us the capacity to overcome those negative voices and keep moving forward, and here’s how to do it:
Tell God about the haters
When people around you are being negative, one of the best things you can do is talk to God about it. Nehemiah, a person from the Bible, did this too. He faced a lot of opposition while working on a special project, and he prayed to God for help. He didn't hold back – he told God exactly how he felt. It's okay for you to do the same!
Praying to God about the negative people in your life can actually help you feel better. It's a way to take the frustration and discouragement you feel and let him take care of it. You don't have to fight back or try to get revenge. You're leaving it in God's hands, and that's a really strong thing to do.
Stay focused on what’s ahead
When people discourage you or doubt your abilities, it's easy to get caught up in trying to prove them wrong. But here's the thing – you don't have to prove anything to anyone. What matters most is what you believe and that you're staying in step with God’s vision for your life.
Instead of spending time crafting responses to criticism, focus on your goals. Think about all the amazing things you can achieve through Christ. Keep your eyes on the prize and let that motivate you to keep going.
Hand the mic to supporters
You might have heard the saying, "You are the company you keep." This means that the people you spend time with can have a big impact on your life. If you're surrounded by negative people, it can be really hard to stay positive and focused.
But you have a choice. You can choose to give a microphone to the people who support you, encourage you, and believe in you. These are the people who will lift you up when you're feeling down. They'll remind you of your strengths and help you keep going, even when things get tough.
Remember, your life is like a wall that you're building. Each positive choice you make, each dream you pursue, is like adding another brick to that wall. Negative people might try to knock some bricks down, but in Christ, you have the power to keep building.
So, the next time someone tells you that you can't do something or that your goals, don't let it get you down. Instead, here’s how to deal with negative people: tell God about it, stay focused on your dreams, and surround yourself with people who believe in you. Keep walking toward your purpose, and remember – you're stronger than any negativity that comes your way.
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It can be hard to overcome the negative voices in our lives – we have some resources we’d love to share with you that can offer more encouragement and hope:
Read: Is Being Offended a Sign of Weakness?
Read: How to Move On From Your Past
One last thing – don't underestimate the importance of supportive community! Joining a Group or finding a team to Serve with is a great way to get to know other followers of Jesus and find encouragement on your journey.
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!