How Do I Respond to Hateful Speech?

People can be cruel. Words can do more damage than a physical attack. Have you ever been hurt by someone’s hateful words, insults, or false accusations?

Consider this: “Most times, others are mean because of what is occurring in their own life, and less often does it have to do with you.

Common reasons people are mean include they have a need to gain power, they feel threatened, or they struggle to regulate their emotions.” (Andrea Brognano, Choosing Therapy)

This is important. Once we understand this, it will change our perspective. It’s more about them than you. Understanding this will help us to respond differently.

Brognano lists 12 possible reasons someone may be mean to you. One of the reasons a person may be mean to you is because they feel threatened (and you may not even know it).

“When a person feels threatened by you, their response may be to defend themselves, and this often comes across as being mean. A person might think that because you are naturally good at something, they cannot co-exist in the same space, especially if they are doing something similar. This can lead them to feel they need to be defensive and may resort to meanness to stand their ground.” Andrea Brognano

We must prepare to respond, not react. How should we respond? The Apostle Paul said,

“When we are slandered, we answer kindly.” 1 Corinthians 4:13 NIV

Jesus said, “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28 NIV

Luke 6:27-30 can be difficult to completely understand. And if you are hurting, it can be difficult to hear. I dare say, an entire book could be written on these four verses, about what they mean and what they don’t mean. It doesn’t mean your accuser is innocent or that you should say it’s ok. It tells us how we should respond.

Seeing their attack on you from a different perspective can actually protect you from the hurt and pain their words might otherwise inflict.

God is transforming us into the image of His Son. And that doesn’t happen overnight. However, we can see His hand at work because He loves us and treats us like sons.

“For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose].” Hebrews 12:11 AMP

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

Pray for Israel

Source: Choosing Therapy

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