Haters in the Church
As I was praying today for my friends I was reminded of some of the “haters” I’ve encountered in the church over the last 15 years as a pastor and how they never celebrate the good times, but always focus on the bad. For example, as a church planter I’ve had to shut down campuses, remove leaders, and deal with people leaving. And I’ve noticed that during those times I’ll hear random complaints and negative feedback from “friends” of our ministry.” They’ll say things like, “I heard God is not moving there anymore.” Or, “Everyone is leaving because of such and such.”
However, in times of growth, moves of God, and tremendous discipleship- those same “friends” have nothing to say. For example, last Sunday (Aug. 4, 2103) we set a Sunday morning record. Plus, the last month of July we’ve seen more growth in life groups, discipleship, and finances then the last 8 months. But the outside chatter from these “friends” is so quiet you can hear a pin drop!
Thus, I wanted to write this blog for all the Christians and leaders who have had to deal with “friends” that act like haters! Enjoy it, be refreshed, and remember- Jesus loves haters!
Definition of a Church Hater
A person who pretends to be your friend but is really a “behind your back critic” that never genuinely supports what God does in and through you.
Five Ways To Know If Someone In Your Life Is a Hater
- They always come around when you fail at something to point out your mistakes, but are never there in your times of victory to highlight your successes.
- They can’t pay you a compliment without sharing something negative, “I know Sally is doing good now, but she still has a long way to go because of such and such.”
- They go behind your back and gossip, back bite, and slander your reputation with half truths and false assumptions. However, they can never say them to your face or to those who really got your back. They know the perfect people to say their lies to because it makes them look good.
- They never change. No matter what the facts are, what others say, or how many times you reach out to them, they choose to believe what they believe because they think they’re smarter than everyone else.
- They hang around other haters because haters hate to be alone. They thrive being around others that have the same critical prideful spirit.
What To Do With Haters In Your Life
- Expose their hypocrisy (once or twice at the most), Titus 3:10.
- If they don’t change (by the miracle power of God)- Ignore them and “do your thang” for Jesus.
- Pray for their salvation and guard your heart from bitterness.
- And if they are saved, pray for their sanctification and let God deal with them!
Jesus’ Word About Haters
- It is Normal to Have Haters // Luke 6:26, “Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.”
- Forgive Your Haters When They Sin Against You // Matthew 6:14, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
- Love Your Haters // Matthew 5:44, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
If you don’t want to be criticized never doing anything. So let the haters hate and do what God called you to do!