“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands”
» (Isaiah 49:16).
WHEN GOD transforms our hearts and begins working on our character, life stops revolving around our ego; we stop being the center of our self-pity and can see others as valuable persons because they’ve been created and redeemed. Based on that, authentic courtesy is born, true sensitivity-not sentimentality- and a feel of empathy toward others, especially those who suffer. This whole internal transformation manifest in our internal treatment others, open a door of light in our human relationships, and shows how we need doors of light in the polarized society in which we live!
Now, there’s something that you really must understand: the fact that you are being transformed by God, that you are also in harmony with yourself and treat those around you well, does not necessarily mean you will be friend and be liked by everyone. Yes, it will give you satisfaction, because it will feed your sense of self-worth and the concept that you are on the path God traced for you, but other people’s responses are not within your grasp. Having expectations in that regard would be a serious mistake. That’s why, dear friend, you shouldn’t worry about others liking you; worry about liking yourself and being at peace with God. That includes accepting your physical attributes, valuing and improving your emotional and spiritual characteristics, and developing your intellectual abilities to the maximum.
Cultivate attitudes that will help you in your interpersonal relationships, such as optimism, letting those around you know they’re important to you, setting healthy boundaries or learning to deal with criticism, because we are always exposed to it. When you are the object of criticism, count to twenty before you respond, reply with words that will show you are calm and polite; never answer with an offensive statement so those who criticize you will not leave with a new reason to criticize you. Simply, don’t react.
Always talk about others in ways you would like them to refer to you; if you can’t do it, then don’t say anything.
Be authentic and remember: when you feel good, you look good.