04 Sep Unsolicited Advice

Unsolicited advice. We all receive it. Whether you are in a similar stage as me and have received lots of advice on how to “get pregnant” or you are in a different stage of life, we have all received advice we didn’t want.

I shared why I don’t like to receive advice here, but today I want to approach the topic at a different angle.

Based on what I have seen on social media, receiving advice from a stranger or friend, when unwanted, really effects people in a negative way. But it doesn’t have to.

What if instead of getting bitter or upset, we shifted our perspective and responded differently?

First, I like to remind myself that I have often been the person who has given advice to someone when they really didn’t want it or weren’t looking for it. So who am I to become frustrated when someone does the same with me?

Secondly, I refuse to let one persons comments, opinions or thoughts towards me ruin my day. Why? Because allowing someone to ruin your day based on what they do or say is the result of a victim and orphan mentality. But we as Christians are not orphans or victims, we are adopted into the Kingdom as victors, right? So, what would it look like to act and respond as a victor instead of a victim?

Lastly I want to share a few verses. I realize unsolicited advice is not the same as an insult, but sometimes we let it effect us like it is. So, my hope is after you read these, you will be convinced that you are to respond by forgiving those and loving those who offer you advice even when it’s unwanted:

“When someone curses you, bless that person in return. When you are mistreated and harassed by others, accept it as your mission to pray for them.” Luke 6:26-27

“Never retaliate when someone treats you wrongly, nor insult those who insult you, but instead, respond by speaking a blessing over them—because a blessing is what God promised to give you.” 1 Peter 3:9

“When people abuse and insult us, we respond with a blessing.” 1 Corinthians 4:12 

Scripture is very straight-forward on how we are to treat others. So, my encouragement to you? It’s time to stop letting the unsolicited advice or opinion of others get you down. Don’t take an offensive state! The only person in charge of your attitude or your day being ruined is you. Instead of letting bitterness take root, forgive, love and bless those around you, even when they say things to you that you didn’t want to hear.

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