The Cons and Pros of Caring of What Others Think of Us
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is? ~Matthew 16:13
Should We Care What Others Think of Us?
Depends . . . Why does another’s opinion of us matter to us?
If our reason for caring what others think of us has to do with us, then overall I believe it shouldn’t matter. Another’s opinion of us can sting if we let it. The wound, if not dealt with properly, can create all sorts of problems in our lives and become an unnecessary distraction for us. But, this doesn’t have to be so.
We can’t control what others think of us, nor should we. If we try and do so we can fall into the trap of manipulating situations and creating false perceptions. That isn’t necessarily the case. We may honestly be trying to help others with their perception of us, but it can happen.
I also find that there isn’t too much one can do about another’s opinion of us. If someone thinks we are a jerk, there is probably a reason they have formulated that opinion and it may not have anything to do with us personally. It may be more about their personal history that they have associated with something about us. I personally don’t think mere words will change their minds. In time, as we consistently manifest the fruits of the Spirit, they can be won over by the Spirit. Trust is either given to us by Divine intervention, or / and developed with time.
Now that we’ve covered the negative aspects of caring about another’s opinion of us, I ask, “Is there ever a time when it can be seen as a good thing?”
Yes. There are also valid reasons for caring about what another thinks of us. When we care about another’s opinion of us because it extends beyond ourselves, then that can be a genuine manifestation of God’s love.
For instance, if someone has a poor opinion of us, or something about us, that can unnecessarily hinder the relationship. It can also prevent them from receiving beneficial things from us, and vice versa, and from the relationship as a whole. What a grievous situation that can be.
Society as a whole views "Caring About What Others Think of Us" in a negative light, that partaking of the knowledge of good and evil, and seeing others as weak for caring. Even many Christians have adopted that view, ignoring our obligation, fueled by love of others, to see how we can be reconciled to them (Matt 5:23-24).
So listen, this is not meant to tell you to care or not. God can show each of us with each situation when it is called for, but we do know that overall if it is rooted in self-centeredness, then we shouldn't care, but if it is centered on love for God and others, then don't let anyone tell you that you shouldn't care about others opinion of you, just know you can only do your part by helping them see you better, then leave the rest in the hands of the Lord.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is? ~Matthew 16:13
Should We Care What Others Think of Us?
Depends . . . Why does another’s opinion of us matter to us?
If our reason for caring what others think of us has to do with us, then overall I believe it shouldn’t matter. Another’s opinion of us can sting if we let it. The wound, if not dealt with properly, can create all sorts of problems in our lives and become an unnecessary distraction for us. But, this doesn’t have to be so.
We can’t control what others think of us, nor should we. If we try and do so we can fall into the trap of manipulating situations and creating false perceptions. That isn’t necessarily the case. We may honestly be trying to help others with their perception of us, but it can happen.
I also find that there isn’t too much one can do about another’s opinion of us. If someone thinks we are a jerk, there is probably a reason they have formulated that opinion and it may not have anything to do with us personally. It may be more about their personal history that they have associated with something about us. I personally don’t think mere words will change their minds. In time, as we consistently manifest the fruits of the Spirit, they can be won over by the Spirit. Trust is either given to us by Divine intervention, or / and developed with time.
Now that we’ve covered the negative aspects of caring about another’s opinion of us, I ask, “Is there ever a time when it can be seen as a good thing?”
Yes. There are also valid reasons for caring about what another thinks of us. When we care about another’s opinion of us because it extends beyond ourselves, then that can be a genuine manifestation of God’s love.
For instance, if someone has a poor opinion of us, or something about us, that can unnecessarily hinder the relationship. It can also prevent them from receiving beneficial things from us, and vice versa, and from the relationship as a whole. What a grievous situation that can be.
Society as a whole views "Caring About What Others Think of Us" in a negative light, that partaking of the knowledge of good and evil, and seeing others as weak for caring. Even many Christians have adopted that view, ignoring our obligation, fueled by love of others, to see how we can be reconciled to them (Matt 5:23-24).
So listen, this is not meant to tell you to care or not. God can show each of us with each situation when it is called for, but we do know that overall if it is rooted in self-centeredness, then we shouldn't care, but if it is centered on love for God and others, then don't let anyone tell you that you shouldn't care about others opinion of you, just know you can only do your part by helping them see you better, then leave the rest in the hands of the Lord.
