I have been struggling with some people(women) in my church not necessarily liking me. I do not understand why. I am not bragging on my self, but I am not a bad person. I try to be at peace with all people. I try to be nice to all people.
We have been pastoring for 8 years and there will usually pop up someone who does not like me. My husband say there are those who do not like him. I told him I do not understand how people can stay where they do not really like the pastor.
I was totally freed, Deanna, when I read your message about confronting these people(particularly women). You stated not to confront them, because that only repels them more(I have actually experienced this). My husband has been telling me this for years. He says, " Stop trying to force yourself on people who do not care for you, there are other people who are interested in developing a relationship with you."
When I began to look at it like that, I found that there are more for me, than against me. But, sometimes we focus on the negative first.
You're welcome - anytime! Absolutely - hang with people who celebrate you, not tolerate you. Life's too short for that. God says you have to love your enemies but he doesn't say you need to shop with them or anything.
Ya know, you would have thought that the junior-high "snottiness" would be over and done after, well, junior high!!
But you're both right - my former district superintendent said it best: there are energy-givers and energy-takers. The energy-givers are who you want as your close friends; all the rest are your ministry/mission field, lol!!
It is wonderful to be free from having to make everyone like you and be your friend!!!
