S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

We all have occasions that require dealing with negative people. There are two categories of negative people: those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior and those who do not. These two typ...

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October 28 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible say about dealing with negative people?

The Bible advises dealing with negative people by responding with love, patience, and gentleness while setting firm boundaries to protect one's own spiritual well-being. Also, by addressing issues privately, offering empathy, and, in extreme cases, avoiding or limiting contact with those who threaten to drag you into negativity or sin.

Biblical Examples and Key Verses

Jesus' Approach: Jesus often removed himself from negative, accusatory situations and focused on his purpose rather than being derailed by critics.

Romans 12:18: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

Ephesians 4:31–32: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you... Be kind to one another..."

Proverbs 22:24-25: "Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

Set Wise Boundaries

While the Bible commands love, it does not demand that you allow yourself to be corrupted or constantly drained by others.

Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23 emphasises the importance of protecting your emotional and spiritual well-being, as it affects everything you do.

Avoid "Bad Company": Paul warns that "Bad company ruins good morals" (1 Corinthians 15:33). If someone's negativity is influencing your own character for the worse, Scripture advises limiting contact.

Distance from Angry People: "Make no friendship with a man given to anger... lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare" (Proverbs 22:24-25).

Encouragement is a strong force for perseverance. (Acts 27:33-36) A positive attitude encourages, whereas a negative attitude has the opposite effect and is discouraging.

When people react negatively to our message, we need to try to understand why. Maybe they have a bad opinion about the Bible or about Christians because they have seen that some who call themselves Christians do bad things.

When people react unfavourably to our message, we need to see beneath the surface and ask ourselves why they respond as they do.

At times, Paul encountered strongly entrenched false beliefs. How did he react? Paul used the very source of his irritation to give a fine witness. (Acts 17:22, 23) He adapted his preaching methods to the backgrounds of various types of people so that he "might by all possible means save some."—1 Cor. 9:20-23.

We can imitate Paul by acknowledging negative attitudes or wrong beliefs that we encounter and then by skilfully introducing "good news of something better." (Isa. 52:7)

13 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report