When we have to disappoint people, their response will reveal their character, and we will learn something about them in the process. We may even learn about ourselves and what needs work in our own character building.
People pleasers are insecure people more focused on being liked than building quality relationships. They are often less mature than those who do what needs to be done without regard if anyone is pleased by it.
Since we cannot please everyone all the time, we might as well just tell the truth, build our own character, and let people be who they are authentically.
If we are rejected by someone for doing what we knew to be the right thing, then we have learned who our friends are. It would be wonderful if the friend who rejected us returns and admits their rejection, but if they do not, we are confident that what is right is more important than superficial friendships based on nothing important.
Proverbs 18:24 "A person of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
An old Chinese proverb says something similar: "A man with too many friends has none."
John 13:34-35
"A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
When we love one another, we will tell the truth, expect honest dialogue about it, and remain friends who challenge one another to greater holiness and wisdom.
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