How should Christians deal with mean people?
Catechism Meditation:
Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. ―No. 1822
REFLECTION: Charity is the essence of Christianity. It is not optional but the defining mark of a disciple of Christ: “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35). More than a virtue, charity is the very life of God within us. It is the only thing that remains eternally. At the end of our lives, we will be judged by love. However, the charity Christians are called to emulate can be especially difficult when dealing with mean people.
As Christians, confronting meanness can be challenging, yet it’s an opportunity for us to showcase God’s love. It’s always difficult for us to react in a charitable way when people are rude or mean to us, but what we must remember is that—as Christians—we are examples of Christ by bearing the name of His people. When confronted by meanness, our instinct might be to retaliate, but the Bible teaches us a different path. We are called to respond with love and compassion. This doesn’t mean we tolerate unkind behavior; instead, we learn to rise above it. Loving mean people does not mean we condone their actions but acknowledges our call to love others, even in difficulty. By choosing love, we become vessels of peace and healing in a world filled with negativity. Our reactions can make significant impacts and reflect God’s light amidst darkness.
In face of mean people, we can feel weak and vulnerable. However, our strength comes from God who equips us to respond with grace. The Scriptures remind us that we are never left alone in the fight against negativity. When we rely on God’s strength, we can stand firm and face challenges without being overwhelmed. Building our faith and seeking His guidance can provide us remarkable resilience and peace. As we turn to Him, we become empowered to love and remain steadfast in the face of meanness. Dealing with mean people can feel overwhelming at times, but we have powerful tools through the teachings of the Bible. People say hurtful things and it is often difficult to know how to handle it. Similarly, it is difficult to not take what they say to heart. Respond with compassion, but be assertive. What’s important to keep in mind is that we can’t control what others do, but we can control how we react.
PRAYER. O my God, I love You above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because You are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of You. I forgive all who have injured me and I ask pardon of all whom I have injured.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“Every human being ought to be loved in the unique mystery of his concrete personality. And when we come across many persons whom we do not “like,” then we have to do what God does with us, who are not very lovable; He puts His love in love, and thus finds us very lovable.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen