No one wants a to be around a criticizer, a complainer, someone who goes off on angry tirades when life gets hard, nor a shallow, fake judge of all. We are called as children of God to be the sharer of compassion, encouragement, kindness, and healthy love. If the perpetrator continues to dish out discontent every time the world cuts them to pieces, refuses to learn the healthier way to approach life, does not listen to solid advice from trusted sources, we are to take the stance of Jesus every time. Do you know what that means?
Jesus had an unearthly way to handle crowds, people, ungrateful souls, burdens, judgmental religious entities, and whatever demons came His way. Yes, He was God, but He also was human. He did not let His emotions run rampant. He stayed close to God in prayer, conversations, and getting away in solitude as a part of His self care in order to dispel the human part of Him to give in to the ways of the world.
He did not become a doormat for the unhealthy. He spoke truth and moved on. The rest is up to them.
Jesus made a choice every hour of every day to uphold the true nature of God on earth amid enemy territory by being an encourager instead of a critic. Are you practicing this?
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
As believers we have God within by way of the Holy Spirit. Stay close to Holy. Utilize that gift. Unlike Jesus who solely relied upon prayer and conversation with God, we have the written Word, mentors, and our creator wants us to engage in these every day to head off joining the crowds of discontented people. Sunday worship is your, or should be, truthful in word and an uplifting start to the week. It is up to you to practice your faith daily, just like Jesus did.
Encouragement leads to peace. It is hard to maintain sometimes. But each day the sun rises and we wake to take another breath, we are given an opportunity to start life over with Jesus. Do it! Ask Holy for help.