How to Respond to Mean Comments with Love and Keep Moving Forward
Life doesn't pause when criticism strikes. I encountered this truth heading to a performance, reading a Facebook comment calling me arrogant and self-important.
These attacks often surface when we're most vulnerable – before important moments or during times of doubt. The timing isn't coincidental. Negativity tends to strike when our defenses are low and our spirits weaker.
Laptop against orange sunset sky
The biblical command to "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18 NIV) doesn't come with conditions. It applies whether people praise or criticize you. Making this choice to love before experiencing hurt creates resilience when facing criticism.
My response to the negative comment was simple: "You're allowed to have your opinion—and I'll just keep loving people, including you! And I'm thankful for everyone who loves along with me!"
Though the criticism continued, it lost its power. By choosing love over defensiveness, I maintained focus on what truly mattered. That evening, many people connected with Jesus during the performance – an outcome that could have been lost had I let one negative voice derail my purpose.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: When we persist in loving despite negativity, we diminish the power of hostile words and amplify our positive impact. Every act of love in the face of criticism becomes a small victory for good.
Remember: Don't let criticism steal your joy or derail your purpose. Choose love consistently, even when faced with negativity, and watch as your resilience grows and your impact deepens.
You are a miracle capable of transforming negativity into opportunities for growth and connection.