Almost everyone feels this way from time to time—but this isn’t the way we should react. When we do react this way, we end up only hurting ourselves.

How should we react when people criticize us, or say something hurtful or insensitive to us? First, we need to ask ourselves if there is any truth in what they have said. Even if most of what they say might not be true, there still might be a kernel of truth in it. The psalmist prayed, “Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults” (Psalm 19:12).

Then we need to realize that often people don’t mean what they say or may not even realize they are hurting us. Or someone may ignore you without ever intending to do so; he or she may simply be preoccupied with some personal problem. In other words, don’t take things like this too seriously; you have probably unintentionally done the same to others.

Most of all, realize that God loves you, and you are His dearly loved child if you know Christ. The important thing is how God sees you, not how others see you! When we know Him, the Bible says, “the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared” (Proverbs 3:26). If you have never done so, put your life in Christ’s hands, and then pray for those who hurt you.