Sometimes you meet people that seems to attack you, backstab you or belittle you for the smallest things. Even if you try your very best to be nice, it just seems like a waste of time.
How do you deal with people like that?
Do you try to convince them you are worth their time and friendship or do you move on?
I work in the field of politics. I deal with people driven by vested interests all day and everyday. There is always push and pull in all directions. People who will backstab, belittle or attack you--that is the reality.
Here is my advice. As Christians, we try to see the good in people. After all, we are all sinners and we have been saved by God's grace and love. We are the embodiment of Christ in this world. But also remember that God warns us of wolves in sheep's clothing. We also must protect ourselves from them. Friendship like all other relationships is built on foundations of love, respect and trust even mutual interests and principles.
We are not supposed to convince people that we are worth their friendship. Friends must first earn each others respect and trust. If you can't be friends, at least you can be civil or have a professional working relationship with these people. Otherwise, if there is no need for you to establish any sort of relationship, then you have to pray for discernment on why God has put this person in your life.
Life is not a popularity contest. You do not get brownie points for having more friends. Quality is always better than quantity. Some people are put in our path for several reasons. You need to discern through prayers what those reasons are. The important thing to always remember is that you are a Christian and your life is your testimony of God's love and His grace.
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