We’ve all been there – feeling rejected, ridiculed, hated. We’ve been called names, shunned,  lied about or lied to. And, as a result, we have been deeply hurt. Haters don’t just wound us, they shred us, leaving us feeling worthless and reluctant to ever trust anyone again.

Taylor Swift makes it sound easy, just “shake it off.” But it’s not quite that simple, is it?

First, know you’re not alone. Everyone, at every age, has experienced mistreatment from bullies of all kinds. This doesn’t make it right, but it does mean that you can find someone to talk to who understands. And you can find lots of people to help you through it.

Second, reject the lies that are filling your mind. Those are from the Enemy; they are not from God. Instead of dwelling on those lies, think about what is true…

Know Who Defines Your Worth

The Bible tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made by a Creator whose love is so deep and so wide that nothing can separate us from Him. A God who sent His Son to earth to provide a means of salvation so we can spend eternity with Him. You are special, not because of who you are or what you can/cannot do, but because of WHOSE you are. We are sons and daughters of the King! Rest in that truth, my friends. Do not let anyone but the God who loved and made you define who you are.

Do What’s Right, No Matter What

Some of the worst hate is directed at us because we are doing what’s right. Jesus experienced just that, and he told us to expect the same. And as rough as our haters get with us, imagine how much worse it was for Jesus — His best friends abandoned Him. The people He came to save put Him to death. He spent years loving others, only to be hated so vehemently that He was publicly beaten and humiliated before being hung on that cross. And even then, as people spewed more hatred, mocked him, laughed at him, Jesus still loved. Still forgave. And that same Jesus is FOR us! So rather than focusing on the hate, let’s focus on this love. Let’s bask in it and seek to model it to others.

Haters are Often Hurt

The nastiest people are often deeply wounded themselves and so feel the need to wound others. They have been mistreated, abused, ridiculed, neglected…and they respond by building a wall around themselves to prevent further injuries. They lob their missiles from behind that wall, hoping to injure others because, as the saying goes, “misery loves company.” The last thing we need to do is retaliate. We can pray for those who persecute us. We can show them love and kindness, and we can share the grace that has been given to us by God. That is not easy – in fact, I think it’s the hardest act God asks of us. But, through His power, we CAN love  the unlovable.