How to be Kind Even to the Mean People

3 simple pieces of advice on How to Deal with People Who Try to Bring You Down

• “First, allow yourself to feel the pain.”If you are hurt by harsh words or an unkind action from another person, it is okay to acknowledge those feelings. “We should not ignore the pain we feel,” writes Lee, “but we don’t have to let that pain fuel a negative response.”
• “Second, refuse to seek revenge.” In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus tells us, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” As Christians, revenge should never be our response when we are wronged or hurt. “Sometimes,” Lee says, “we simply have to walk away from mean people, which takes a great amount of strength, dignity, and courage.” Fighting back when we are wronged only continues the cycle of meanness instead of putting a gentle stop to it with our love in place of anger.
• “Third, be kind.” Kindness is not the same as “we will be doormats,” Lee explains. “We can be grace-filled even in the face of nastiness.” 2 Corinthians 6:3-6 says, “We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses… in purity, understanding, patience and kindness.”

“God is not asking us to do anything he hasn’t done before.

God loved us first. He loved me (and I am certainly unthankful and wicked) and he loves you.

And he has done this without asking for anything in return; in fact he’s embraced us with one hand while wiping our sins out with the other.

If there was ever a reason to love your enemies, do good to them and give to them without expecting anything in return it is because God is kind to people who are unthankful and wicked – people like me and you.”