Don't Fight Fire With Fire Original Art

If you try to do anything worthwhile, you’ll likely encounter skeptics and critics. You have a few options. You can allow them to stop you. This is generally not advised, especially if they are little more than bullies. Or you can use their doubts as fuel. This is what I recommend, but with caution.

You see, that fuel burns hot. If you rely too much on it, you can end up consumed with anger and rage. If it becomes all about proving someone else wrong, rather than pursuing something worthwhile that brings you joy, you will be the loser in the end.

It’s natural to want to right perceived wrongs. But as many have said, “Withholding forgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Our culture today seems more combative than ever. Trash-talking is an art form. We are urged to use the haters to fuel our rise, and then, when our success is undeniable, use it to torch them and reign fiery retorts and comebacks down upon them.

But there’s a better way. Taking the high road and responding with kindness possesses an underrated level of effectiveness. The Bible tells us that when you treat your enemies with kindness, “you heap burning coals upon their head.” Don’t let the naysayers stop you. You can turn them into motivation, but be careful about using them for fuel.

Fighting fire with fire leaves both of you as a pile of ash.