4. Remember, negative people spread things about others, too.
It often helps me reconcile what a negative person says about me when I realize they are always spreading something negative. If it were not me being criticized, it would be their next victim. Do not give as much weight to the voice of the consistently negative person. Sometimes we tend to give them the most attention. The only way you will ever shut down the person who is always negative is to refuse to give them an audience for their negativity. The fact is if they are given a continued voice they will bring people into their negativity. If the same attention is placed on people who are a positive influence then they will bring people along into positivity.
(What I’m not saying is to avoid dealing with negative people in church. Most likely they are negative for a reason. They are hurt, angry, broken, confused or simply sinful in their attitude. Either way—we have to love them. That’s our calling as believers. Many times I’ve found if we love them we can actually begin to temper their negativity—at least lessen its volume.)
5. Confront Untruth.
You do not have to go on a witch-hunt for untruth—nor should you—but you should try to stop the spread of falsities if you hear them being repeated or told to you. This is especially true if it is going to get in the way of doing what you know God has called you to do. Don’t be bashful about doing so. Don’t embarrass people or treat them harshly. Treat everyone with love. Be an example of how to handle disagreement biblically, but don’t ignore it either.
6. Be Truthful and Positive Around Others.
Decide you will always be a positive influence. Don’t repeat untruths and avoid being a hypercritical person. Look for the good in situations. A positive attitude is equally contagious.
7. Remind Yourself of the Truth.
Ultimately you are looking for truth, not one person’s opinion on truth.
What ways do you have for dealing with negative people in church?
This article originally appearde here, and is used by permission.
