Oh don't you know it, I, not too long ago, was stewing and lamenting, obsessively, over unkind words and opinions. I began seeking out scriptures on how we are suppose to love one another. I literally put in mercy and loving-kindness in the search in my bible and in google. Actually, I kept changing the words hoping to find just the right scripture to heal my wound, by confirming how wrong they were. Hahaha, boy did He give me the what for. My healing needed to be outside of them, regardless if they are right or wrong. I didn't know what I had done so i went down a hole trying to understand, trying to fix me and the situation. Again He said, can you just love and forgive them and let me deal with them? Exodus 14:14.. I feel He wanted me to know... I love them too, my Child. Difficult people are a blessing because they grow our capacity to love and forgive, regardless how we are treated. He also reminded me that hateful or mean feedback isn't always true or justified just because it was expressed by a Christian. He keeps saying, in the wilderness, come to my feet, it isn't about you or them, you all belong to me.
On that note, I respect that you didn't just accept the hateful words as truth, that their takes and reactions are accurate. I think that is a part of discernment. If we jumped to every rebuke thinking we need to take to heart and grow in the way others see fit, rather than the way Christ does, sheeeesh, we would be chopped up into pieces. I know because I have put myself on the chopping block rather than on the alter as a living sacrifice. I mean sometimes people don't want you to grow, they just don't like us and want us to go away for reasons we may never know. Oh well, no worries. Just walk away, loving and forgiving them from a far.
Now with all that said, to know you are being treated with hateful unkindness makes me want to give the someone or someones the what for. He tells us to turn the other cheek but He also tells us to take precious care of our family. I understand it hurts, sometimes way down to the core. I am glad you shared that, it helps to know others understand and also so I can pray with you, Sis. ♡