When People Who Don’t Like You Try to Embarrass You

A Word from PJ

When People Who Don’t Like You Try to Embarrass You

Scripture: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” — Psalm 23:5 (NIV)

There’s a different kind of sting when someone who doesn’t like you tries to humiliate you in front of others. They don’t hide it. They wait for the crowd. They want an audience. They want to tear you down loud enough so everybody sees it.

And let’s be honest your flesh wants to rise up. Everything inside you says, “Don’t let them get away with that!” You want to defend yourself, maybe even return the favor. But right there in that heated moment, you’re standing at a spiritual crossroads: will I fight this battle my way or God’s way?

You see, when someone who already dislikes you tries to shame you publicly, they’re hoping to get a reaction. They want to provoke you into acting out of character. Why? Because if they can get you to come down to their level, they don’t have to feel so bad about where they are. But listen to me don’t give them that satisfaction.

Psalm 23:5 tells us that God doesn’t just protect us He blesses us in front of the ones who tried to bring us down. He doesn’t remove the enemies; He prepares the table right in their presence. That’s God saying, “I’ll handle the hard stuff. You just stay seated in peace.”

Let God do the defending. Let Him do the proving. You don’t have to perform for anyone, and you don’t need to clap back to stay strong. Your character speaks louder than their insults. Their rudeness may get a few chuckles in the moment, but your grace will echo long after the crowd leaves.

If they’re watching you to see you break, show them what real strength looks like peace under pressure. Kindness when it’s undeserved. Dignity in the face of disrespect.

Reflection: Think of someone who has made it clear they don’t like you and acted like it in front of others. How did you respond? Did you let it define your spirit, or did you let God steady your heart? Pray today for the strength to respond with character, not just emotion.

Prayer: Father, You see every word spoken, every insult thrown, and every eye that watches to see me fall. Help me to rise above the hate, not in pride, but in peace. Remind me that I don’t need to fight for approval or defend my name—because You already fight for me. Give me the courage to stay kind, the strength to stay calm, and the wisdom to keep my heart clean. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love you,

PJ