Have you ever hated someone?
How are we to behave when people hate us?
Do you ever wonder why people hate each other?
Why are people angry, unforgiving, and mean spirited?
Understanding Why People Hate
The short answer is simple; they do not know how to manage their thoughts.
When hateful thoughts exist in a person's mind, they take up residence in their hearts. Eventually, the hate will come out their mouths and show up in their actions or inactions.
Haters were taught to play the “blame game.”
Many times, people blame others for how they are feeling.
They think that all the hate they are feeling is due to what is happening around them.
They believe their boss, their parents, their ex the government, etc. is the reason for the hate that they feel.
When people hate each other, they are bringing more hate into the world.
The object of their hate is not relevant- their thoughts are.
Haters have been around for a long time. Jesus had plenty of haters, and He gave us some instructions on what to do when our paths cross.
Do Nothing
“Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.” Luke 21:17-19 -
All of us, at some point, experience hate and resentment in our life.
Whether it’s from friends, family, or coworkers, it happens to the best of us.
As Christians, we are called to live in ways that others won’t understand.
Learning to be okay with people not likening you will require you to manage your own thoughts.
I often have to remind myself that I can be a God pleaser, or a people please.
Jesus tells us to stand firm and do nothing.
Luke 21:19 even goes as far as saying that we will win life.
Stand firm now to win later.
Don't Try to Figure Out Why They Don't Like You.
Many have become my enemies without cause; those who hate me without reason are numerous. Psalm 38:19
From personal experience, I know that you can drive yourself crazy, trying to figure out why someone dislikes you.
Some people will hate you for no reason, and we need to learn to be okay with that.
We cannot manage someone else’s thoughts about us.
Remember when someone does not like you it is a reflection of them and who they are not you and who you are.
Focus your efforts on living your best life instead of wasting them trying to justify someone’s hate.
You can be the prettiest, juiciest, peach, and there will still be someone who does not like peaches.
What Not To Do
"Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it." 1 Peter 3:9, NLT:
When someone disrespects you or your beliefs, it can be challenging to hold your tongue.
Remember when you are hating on someone. - you're the one feeling the hate, not the other person.
Every person you meet was put into your life for a reason.
Some are here to bless you while some are here to test you.
What are we to do when we find ourselves being tested?
I often tell my brain that this is an excellent opportunity to manage my thoughts and practice self-control.
I remind myself that just because they are unable to self-govern does not mean I should.
I don't do this for them; I do it for me, because I want to be the best version of myself.
And most importantly, I do not want to spread more hate.
I found this quote, from Albert Einstein
and I love it:
“Weak people revenge.
Strong people forgive.
Intelligent people, Ignore.”
See you next week
Roanna
P.S.
IF you are dealing with a difficult person in your life I would love to treat you to FREE 20-minute session to give you a few tools you could use to help you deal with a difficult person.