Do You Worry About What Others Think?

Do you worry about what others think about you? If we are willing to be really honest here, I would say the answer is yes. Or…maybe it’s just me.

Have you ever been embarrassed by something your children did in public? Do you keep your thoughts or questions to yourself because you’re afraid of what people will think about you? How about replay a conversation or interaction in your head over and over?… cringing over what you said? Finally, have you passed up sharing the gospel or talking about Jesus because you worried what others thought about you?

Everyone worries to some extent about what others think. In all transparency, I can answer yes to every single question above.

God knew fear of man would be an issue. The Bible speaks clearly on the topic. I will be sharing some of those Bible verses in this article. Even the world talks about worrying about what others think… it’s called “approval addiction”. Are you plagued with approval addiction?

When you are done reading this article, you’ll still fear what others think about you at times, but you will have some understanding about the root cause and what to do about the fear. And that… will help restore some joy and peace to your life.

Before we go on, I just want to say that you are pretty brave to be looking deeper into how to stop worrying about what others think of you. Most people would just continue to manage the best they can without taking the deeper look. However, awareness of the problem combined with self reflection is a game changer!

Our core beliefs impact our thoughts, feelings and actions.

Guard your mind because everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

Core beliefs are the way we see ourselves, God and the world/people. At first, this may seem fairly insignificant, but our core beliefs actually inform and guide how we do life. Our view of our self, God and others is influenced by life experiences.

How would you describe yourself? This may seem like a simple questions, however take a moment and really answer it. Does the description of yourself line up with what God says about you?

We say untrue things to ourselves, like… “I’m not loved”, “I’m not strong”, “I’m not enough”, “I’m not protected”, “I’m not seen” or “I’m all alone”. But, here’s the Truth (straight from the Bible)- God says otherwise. He says, “You are loved”, “You are strong”, “You are enough”, “You are protected”, “You are seen” and “You are never alone”. (Free Biblical Affirmations printable here.)

When the words we say to ourselves are not based on the words God says about us, we must take those thoughts captive. The way we tear down lies about ourselves requires God’s Word.

Deep down, we fear that others will reject us- that is why we worry about what others think. We are seeking the approval of others to give us significance and value. But, that’s not necessary- God already loves you more than you can imagine. He calls you worthy and valuable. You don’t have to live in fear of what others think about you. Perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18).

How to Stop Worrying About What Others Think of You!

The most key thing here is to get really solid on how we see ourselves. Those core beliefs we talked about earlier can lead us astray. Core beliefs can be false. The way to determine whether or not those beliefs are false are lining them up with Scripture. (Don’t forget to sign up below for the free e-course!)

When we meditate on who God says ‘We are’- we sit up straighter, we feel better. The thoughts/beliefs we have about ourselves lead to emotions. Are you feeling badly about yourself? Then your thoughts/beliefs need to be lined up with God’s Truth about who you are.

If Christians believed who God says they are, they would be the most confident people in the world!

The problem of worrying about what others think of you…

When we waste the gift of time worrying about what others think, we are distracted from our God given purpose. The enemy can’t steal the light of Christ in us, but he can tempt us to hide it.

Keep in mind, working for the approval of people is also an energy/time drain. People change. All. The. Time. We can be a moody people right? What pleases people today won’t please others tomorrow. Know this – once in Christ, you are approved by God. And nothing you do, good or bad can change that! (Check our this article on people pleasing.)

Imaging a life when worrying about what others think is replaced by living freely, joyfully and peacefully. No more distractions from the things God has placed in our care. We would enjoy the people crossing our path, unconcerned with their thoughts about us. Unconcerned because the Most High God delights over us, calls us chosen, valuable and significant.

If you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die by their rejection. ~Lecrae

What does God say in the Bible about fear of what others think?

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” Luke 12:4-5

So we say with confidence, “the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… Colossians 3:23

On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people, but God, who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24

Wrapping Up How to Stop Worrying About What Others Think of You

It’s time to stop worrying about what others think of you. Fear of what others think will drain you of joy and peace. Bask in God’s approval of you- He thinks pretty highly of you! God is unchanging – nothing you do can change your approval rating before him. He adores you and delights over you (Psalm 149:4).

Stop striving for the approval of people. It’s time to do a new thing (Ephesians 4:22-24). Begin paying attention to the thoughts driving fear of what others think. Battle and challenge those thoughts rather than trying to decrease fear through striving and working for the approval of people.

God doesn’t want you working that shift anymore. He has more for you – restored peace and joy as you live less for man and more for him.