Finding Joy in Jesus When People Tear You Down
In life, we often find ourselves facing challenges that test our strength, our patience, and our sense of self-worth. One of the hardest struggles is when people tear us down. Whether it's through hurtful words, betrayal, or criticism, the impact can be deep and lasting. It can make us question our value and our purpose. But in the midst of this turmoil, there’s one constant that remains: Jesus.
Jesus brings us joy in ways that the world can’t. His joy isn’t conditional on the approval of others or on circumstances. It’s rooted in His unshakable love and the promise that, no matter how much the world tries to break us down, He is always there to build us up.
The World’s Voices vs. God’s Truth
When people speak hurtful words or act in ways that make us feel small, it’s easy to internalize their opinions. We start to believe their lies about our worth or our potential. But Jesus offers us a different perspective. In Him, we find the truth of who we are: beloved children of God, made in His image, and perfectly designed for a purpose. This truth is unwavering, no matter what others say.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to come to Him with our burdens and find rest in His embrace. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” When people tear us down, Jesus offers us the comfort and peace we need to rise above their words. His joy doesn’t diminish based on others' opinions—it’s steady and eternal.
The Power of Jesus’ Joy
The joy that Jesus brings isn’t a fleeting emotion. It’s a deep, abiding peace that transcends circumstances. It’s the joy of knowing that, no matter how hard life gets, we’re never alone. In John 15:11, Jesus says, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” This isn’t a joy that comes from getting everything right or having a perfect life. It’s the joy that comes from knowing we are loved unconditionally by our Creator, and nothing can take that away.
Even in moments when people hurt us or try to tear us down, Jesus’ joy remains accessible to us. When we lean into Him, when we focus on His love and His promises, His joy becomes our strength. The world may try to pull us down, but with Jesus, we find the ability to rise above it.
Choosing Jesus’ Joy Over Worldly Approval
It’s natural to want people to like us, to approve of us, or to speak kindly about us. But Jesus teaches us that our worth is not defined by the opinions of others. In fact, in Matthew 5:11-12, Jesus tells us, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” When people tear us down for following Jesus, we are actually invited to experience a deeper joy—because we’re being drawn closer to Him.
Joy That Transcends
The joy that Jesus gives us doesn’t just fill us in good times. It’s a joy that sustains us when we’re hurting, when we feel misunderstood, or when we feel like we’ve been knocked down. It’s a joy that doesn’t rely on human validation. It’s rooted in something far greater—the eternal love and grace of our Savior.
When people tear us down, we can choose to let their words define us, or we can choose to let the joy of Jesus define who we are. We can choose to remember that His opinion is the only one that truly matters. We can choose to rest in His love, knowing that He is always with us, lifting us up and filling us with joy that no one can take away.