Question: I want to know why I have been meeting so many dishonest people lately! I don’t know how to deal with them. From email scammers to neighbors to shady salespeople, etc. I am plagued by them. 

I am vaguely familiar with the Law of Attraction, but I don’t know why I would be attracting these types of people. I am honest and I try to live and express myself truthfully and kindly. 

How am I supposed to bless people who are so dishonest? I just want them out of my life. Help!

Distrusting

Dear Distrusting,

I commend you as you try to live a God-fearing life[by] showing kindness to those around you. I can certainly understand your frustration as you encounter more and more people who are dishonest and underhanded. Unfortunately, as you hear in the news regularly our world is losing its moral compass as we turn away from living by God’s word and His commandments. People’s consciences have become increasingly anesthetized, caring more about what they want and not about the welfare of others. 

We, as followers of God, are mandated to live differently and show God to a world that is increasingly rejecting Him: “I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.” (Mt. 10:19 NLV)

The Word says to be “wise” or “shrewd” as a snake. Recognizing that some people we come into contact with have proven themselves to be less than upstanding and honest, we need to be vigilant yet be open to giving them “the benefit of the doubt.” As believers in God we can be open, kind and truthful, but don’t have to be “pushovers” or “doormats.” We should exercise healthy caution, checking sources of information, moving into action or decisions circumspectly. If you are a person of prayer, like me, it’s always best to ask God and get his “take” and perspective on what or who we are dealing with before making important decisions.

When I first read your question, my thoughts went immediately to the Bible verse in that says, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who treat you badly.” (Luke 6:28 Phillips)

Although this is extremely hard when we’ve been grievously wronged, God asks us to forgive, pray for them and continue to reach out in love, leaving judgment of their actions to Him. Ultimately, praying that God intervenes in their hearts and lives so they will feel remorse and change their ways is what He wants from us. Our prayers and loving actions can be catalysts of great change in people’s lives. 

Blessing you as you bless others,

Pastor Dabney Beck

Dear Distrusting,

I think you need to clear your mind early every day. This is what I do. I subscribe to Daily Word at dailyword.com and read it every morning. I then concentrate on that word for a few minutes. This is meditation. For example, “joy” is a word they often write about. It’s hard to go out and not attract joyful people after I have meditated on this word. 

I have been doing this for years and don’t encounter mean, dishonest people. Give it a try. 

Carolyn Young
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Center for Spiritual Living, La Crescenta