Dealing with Disapproval

1. Respond rather than react. In fact, intentionally under-react.
2. Evaluate honestly, “What can I learn through this?” Cut yourself some slack here too; you’re not as good or perfect as you’d like to be. It’s okay. Own your mistakes, and grow through them rather than just go through them.
3. Remember, often we speak to others out of our pain and frustration. Sometimes the very thing we hate the most from others is the very thing we do to others. People fail just like we Christians fail! Aspire to understand the offender with grace.
4. Try not to take everything so personal. It might not be about you. People fight back when they’re hurt or afraid.
5. Take your pain to the One who can handle it best. I love how David frequently and honestly complained to God, but in the process, God became bigger to David than his present problem.
6. Try really hard to listen first and foremost to the One voice that matters most. Sometimes we have to turn down the volume of our critics and turn up our sensitivity to the Father’s words. His voice heals. His words soothe our wounded souls. His truth must become our truth. We are loved even when we fail.
7. Forgive as you’ve been forgiven. Holding on to our desire for retribution or revenge is not an option. Release your accuser from your judgment. In fact, pray God’s blessing upon that person. Mercy always triumphs over judgment. It truly does.