In a previous post I noted how I’ve observed sensitive people effectively deal with hard situations in ministry and that I’ve also seen sensitive people exacerbate the same kinds of situation. Why? Because there are two kinds of sensitive. In that post we looked at the healthy kind of sensitivity which means this article is devoted to the unhealthy kind.
Characteristics of People Sensitive in an Unhealthy Way
Unhealthy sensitivity will be characterized by one or more of the following:
- consumed with what other people think
- conscientious of how one looks and appears to others
- defensive when someone appears to disagree
- hurt when perceive others disapprove or fail to affirm
- embarrassed if even slightly negative comment is about them or their idea
What a difference it makes when we approach people in hard situations with the above sensitivity.
People feel like they must walk on egg shells resulting in shallow or dishonest communication.
People are more prone to react to it defensively, causing them to stumble in their own personal integrity.
When people feel this way they tend to be less cooperative and skeptical of the sensitive person’s intent. Hard situations tend to get even more difficult. Unity is broken and a cycle of dysfunction ensues.
God’s Word Instructs Those with Unhealthy Sensitivity
Unhealthy sensitivity has a negative impact because we get more worried about what people think than what God thinks (Eph. 6:7-8). We want to make sure people know what we’ve done. But, God assures us that He knows and that should be enough (Matt. 6:1-7).
Further, rather than get defensive when people disagree or appear to be in opposition to us, we need to follow God’s instructions which is the opposite of defensiveness (2 Tim. 2:23-26). If we’re truly doing what God want from us, we can be at peace knowing that what He thinks is what truly matters. We are personally accountable to God for what we do. And, others are accountable for what they do.
If you struggle to grab hold of this biblical perspective, consider doing the 40 Day Challenge for Maintaining a Healthy Perspective. If you would like to use it with your small group, there is also a five session discussion guide to go with it.
Thank you so very much for such an informative Blog.
You are most welcome! May God use it to His glory!