negative |ˈnɛgətɪv| adjective 1 consisting in or characterized by the absence rather than the presence of distinguishing features.• expressing or implying denial, disagreement, or refusal: She was known as a Negative Nancy.
No matter how much of an optimist you are, there will be days when you fall into the trap of negativity. We can easily begin to believe the rejection spoken over us, and the pessimistic attitudes of those around us–or, we can choose to live differently.
I don’t know about you, but the negativity that is flooding our news, social media channels and even our family gatherings can be somewhat overwhelming these days.
So, how do you stay positive in a world full of seemingly negative people and vibes? How can we shed a little sunshine on what can seem to be a very dark season of life?
Dealing with negative people properly means that first and foremost, you have to take a good, hard look at your own inward health. Are you sincerely happy and healthy? Do you find your strength in something deeper than yourself? Do you put your trust in something greater than your abilities?
Having a positive outlook on life doesn’t necessarily mean that you believe the world is all roses and gumdrops. I believe having a positive, optimistic outlook on life stems from a deeply rooted faith and belief in something greater than yourself. For me, that anchor is Jesus Christ. I can have a positive disposition in times of turmoil because I know that He is faithful and promises to take care of all of my needs.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
To me, having a positive attitude means that I am able to put all of my trust in God–certain that He will take care of me and my family. Always!
After you have yourself in check with your own negativity, then you can start dealing with the way you have to deal with negative friends, family members or coworkers. Instead of getting angry or annoyed with those who tend to have a negative outlook on life, try praying for them and asking God to bless them.
When we pray for others, even when we don’t want to, God changes our hearts toward them and we begin to see them the way that God sees them. Cover them in prayer, genuinely love them on their journey to finding God’s love for themselves, and ask that God would use you as a light to bring them to Himself.
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter 3:9
Ask God for patience when you are dealing with negative people, especially when they are those that are closest to you–like friends or family members. God put those people in your life for a reason, and you are there to be a blessing to them, not another reason for them to be negative!
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” Matthew 7:1-2
Believe and know that one day, these people will come to know God’s love through the prayers you’ve prayed and the influence you’ve had on their lives. Love people until they ask why. Love them through every season of their growth and trust the Lord to do what only He can do: transform hearts and bring them into a loving, deep relationship with HIM.
Love can soften even the hardest of hearts!! I know, and believe it!
XO-
Sabrina