If you are feeling discouraged by what someone has said to you or about you, thats understandable. Words sometimes do hurt and people can be mean. Constructive criticism is useful, but comments aren't always intended to be constructive. If you can learn something by what they say, great. If not, move on. Don’t worry what "friends" think or say about you. It doesn’t matter. Don't let people get you down. If you believe God has a mission for your life and you are following Him stay focused and remain faithful. If Noah had taken the time to worry about what his friends thought about him building an ark out in the middle of the desert, he would have drowned along with them. You will always have critics. It’s a fact of life. Not everyone is going to like you nor will everyone appreciate the work God does in your life.
In John 15:18 Jesus is recorded as saying, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” Jesus also tells us in Luke 6:22-23, “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.”
When people insult you or say bad things about you because of Christ just count it as stripes for Jesus.
After committing my life to Christ there were some people in my church that talked negatively about me. They said the change in my life wasn’t real. I don’t necessarily blame them. I was a young Christian and made some mistakes. I had a lot of maturing to do as a believer and still do even today. However, I don’t think they’re talking now. There may be Christians you know that make similar accusations about you. Don’t worry about them. Just continue to do what you know is right.
Unfortunately, the truth is there will always be the doubters and people will say things behind your back or maybe even to your face. Let God handle those people. After the prodigal son came home and was shown love by his father, the prodigal son’s brother became angry and spoke negatively about him (Luke 15:11-32).
Insults and gossip may begin with people you may least expect, like a close friend, a family member, or an employer. A minister may criticize you or talk falsely about the work God is doing in your life. You may not be able to do anything about others' attitudes so don’t allow them to bother you or get you down. Keep doing what you know is right. God’s blessing on your life is not dependant on what your friends, your boss or others say or think about you. Focus on what it is that you need to do. Don’t fall off course or allow others to discourage or distract you. There is a reward for those who remain faithful to the end.
