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margaret42
Guest
Well in a way that’s good . If they are a problem for lots of other people, then just go in there for what ever reason you need, eg, to see the doctor, check out and thank her.
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Allegra
Guest
I head this litany on the radio once and I thought it was so cool!
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oldgraymare2
Guest
Hi Reuben,
This is very nicely said.
This is what I try and do, too…
When someone has been unkind towards me and their behavior is without cause–meaning I didn’t do anything to warrant it/deserve it, I actually feel sorry for that person, because I feel that they must be very unhappy, if they are going around bitter and angry and are directing it at people whom they don’t really know.
I’ll pray for them, too. It may be difficult because we’re all human and we get upset at being treated unfairly, but I feel more sorry for someone who walks around feeling unhappy, and who spreads it, as well.
This is very nicely said.
This is what I try and do, too…
When someone has been unkind towards me and their behavior is without cause–meaning I didn’t do anything to warrant it/deserve it, I actually feel sorry for that person, because I feel that they must be very unhappy, if they are going around bitter and angry and are directing it at people whom they don’t really know.
I’ll pray for them, too. It may be difficult because we’re all human and we get upset at being treated unfairly, but I feel more sorry for someone who walks around feeling unhappy, and who spreads it, as well.
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Reuben_J
Guest
Hi.
Yes, often we encounter people who are just rude and unkind - at counters and agencies. Perhaps not personal disgust for us, but certainly there is no excuse why we should be treated as such, especially if we are not the type who treat others likewise. To just dismiss their bad behaviour maybe because they had a bad day would indirectly mean to justify such behaviour if we commit it ourselves. To be like Christ, we set ourselves so much higher than that.
Closer to home, there would probably be people we know who are like that.
As I said, it does not mean that we should relatialate but rather should feel sorry for such people. It is not easy because we cannot control what others do but more so it helps us to deal with it.
Praying for them and bless them is a great response indeed.
Yes, often we encounter people who are just rude and unkind - at counters and agencies. Perhaps not personal disgust for us, but certainly there is no excuse why we should be treated as such, especially if we are not the type who treat others likewise. To just dismiss their bad behaviour maybe because they had a bad day would indirectly mean to justify such behaviour if we commit it ourselves. To be like Christ, we set ourselves so much higher than that.
Closer to home, there would probably be people we know who are like that.
As I said, it does not mean that we should relatialate but rather should feel sorry for such people. It is not easy because we cannot control what others do but more so it helps us to deal with it.
Praying for them and bless them is a great response indeed.
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Joe_5859
Guest
I can empathize with this. Sometimes in stores or crowded places, I’ll see people laughing and have the fleeting though that they are laughing at me. (Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)
My approach to such things is:
(1) To not give such thoughts extra attention. I generally shrug it off as the devil trying to steal my peace by filling me with thoughts that aren’t realistic. The more I think about it, the more I let the devil steal my peace.
(2) To admit that I really don’t know what those people are thinking. As others have said, they could be having a bad day; maybe their dog just died or their spouse just cheated on them or any number of things that have nothing at all to do with me.
(3) To recognize that my worth comes from my dignity as child of God, not from the opinions of random strangers.
(4) To pray for them. If they have something going on with their life that is causing them to respond to me in such a way, then they definitely need prayers. And we all need prayers anyway.
My approach to such things is:
(1) To not give such thoughts extra attention. I generally shrug it off as the devil trying to steal my peace by filling me with thoughts that aren’t realistic. The more I think about it, the more I let the devil steal my peace.
(2) To admit that I really don’t know what those people are thinking. As others have said, they could be having a bad day; maybe their dog just died or their spouse just cheated on them or any number of things that have nothing at all to do with me.
(3) To recognize that my worth comes from my dignity as child of God, not from the opinions of random strangers.
(4) To pray for them. If they have something going on with their life that is causing them to respond to me in such a way, then they definitely need prayers. And we all need prayers anyway.
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Rozellelily
Guest
That sounds like a great idea thanks.
I I’ll try doing that,that way I can use the situation for something good.
I I’ll try doing that,that way I can use the situation for something good.
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Rozellelily
Guest
I understand the mention that it’s not part of Christianity to try to be liked/loved by people but at the same time,we are all social creatures
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Perhaps I’m wrong,but I don’t think the issue is so much about pride but more like low worth because it’s not that I feel “how dare anyone not like me” and I don’t feel offended or full of myself etc.
Objectively,I accept the reality that not everyone is going to like everyone.
Regardless,the Litany of Humility is a beautiful prayer and it will only benefit me to pray it.
Nobody has ever suffered from requesting more humility!
There’s a reason why good customer service is a “thing”.
Ive noticed there seems to be a culture/prevalence for this sort of this thing particularly in some industries.
For example,I’ve encountered it more with reception/front desk staff in medical centres than other industries.
It doesn’t seem reasonable or right to justify their behaviour (curt or rude treatment of clients) due to work stress or family issues because there are other people who are just as stressed in their jobs but don’t let it spill into their demeanour of how they treat other.
I understand they might be stressed or emotionally exhausted etc but if they can’t handle things then wouldn’t the right thing to do is not to go into that career/change careers instead of treating others poorly?
If I’m on the receiving end,I might try to feel pity for them but at the same time I still feel affected/hurt and take it personally.
I’m also not sure if the “kill them with kindness” approach works with the types as they don’t seem to respond to kindness when I try.
If I smile,they don’t smile back etc.
It almost seems like they feel they have an entitlement to treat people that way because they are working in a cultural environment that supports it.
.Perhaps I’m wrong,but I don’t think the issue is so much about pride but more like low worth because it’s not that I feel “how dare anyone not like me” and I don’t feel offended or full of myself etc.
Objectively,I accept the reality that not everyone is going to like everyone.
Regardless,the Litany of Humility is a beautiful prayer and it will only benefit me to pray it.
Nobody has ever suffered from requesting more humility!
Exactly.
There’s a reason why good customer service is a “thing”.
Ive noticed there seems to be a culture/prevalence for this sort of this thing particularly in some industries.
For example,I’ve encountered it more with reception/front desk staff in medical centres than other industries.
It doesn’t seem reasonable or right to justify their behaviour (curt or rude treatment of clients) due to work stress or family issues because there are other people who are just as stressed in their jobs but don’t let it spill into their demeanour of how they treat other.
I understand they might be stressed or emotionally exhausted etc but if they can’t handle things then wouldn’t the right thing to do is not to go into that career/change careers instead of treating others poorly?
If I’m on the receiving end,I might try to feel pity for them but at the same time I still feel affected/hurt and take it personally.
I’m also not sure if the “kill them with kindness” approach works with the types as they don’t seem to respond to kindness when I try.
If I smile,they don’t smile back etc.
It almost seems like they feel they have an entitlement to treat people that way because they are working in a cultural environment that supports it.
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Augustine3
Guest
Don’t like them back. Love them back.
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Joe_5859
Guest
I, of course, do not mean to imply this applies to you, but I do think that sometimes low self-worth can be simply a more subtle form of pride and self-centeredness. Thinking that someone thinks poorly of us presupposes that the person is giving us any thought at all, which often isn’t the case in situations such as grumpy clerks at the store.
I find the less I focus on myself, the less likely I am to think poorly of myself or to assume that others are thinking poorly of me.
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Daisy
Guest
To the original post: If they’re being grumpy, they’re probably having a bad day and could REALLY use a smile. So, give them a smile and be on your way. You are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, let your light shine.
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margaret42
Guest
People can sense when they’re not liked. If the same people approach you the same way-what they say, how they say it, do they look afraid to approach you, etc.
And the same with whether you like them. Do you feel comfortable being around them; talk hesitantly to them; intimidated maybe?
People are “too busy” to always be thinking about you; and you them.
And the same with whether you like them. Do you feel comfortable being around them; talk hesitantly to them; intimidated maybe?
People are “too busy” to always be thinking about you; and you them.
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