Dealing With Ungrateful People

I have dealt with a lot of individuals over the years. The Lord explained to me that people are like plants. As many as we have different types of plants, so are there different types and characteristics of people. While there are a lot of different characters in people, I will specifically talk about ungrateful people. Ungrateful people will always say that they are good people especially when they are wrong. This is an effort to justify their actions.

Ungratefulness and selfishness operate as two peas in a pod. An ungrateful person will say thank you, sometimes from common courtesy especially when they can’t do better and is in a situation where they have to say thank you. Ungrateful individuals will request something else or complain about something else just after receiving something. One mustn’t become judgmental of others based on a one-time situation. I must say that almost every human being one point or another may have displayed ungrateful character.

Proverbs 21:2- Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

An ungrateful person is never wrong in their own eyes. There is constructive criticism and also destructive criticism. An individual who is ungrateful and difficult would not pause for a moment before they begin to criticize others even if what they are criticizing is beneficial to them. They are negative, and their words are not normally seasoned with grace but are normally sugar-coated with fear which seems to be as if they care.

An ungrateful individual expects others to climb the mountain or cross the ocean for them however, they will not be willing to even walk in the valley nor jump over a puddle for others unless it will be beneficial to them.

Acts 20:35 says it’s better to give than to receive but an ungrateful person would always be ready to receive than to give.

Once an ungrateful person is confronted, if you are not mentally strong, you will be manipulated into thinking that you are at fault. As disobedience is like the sin of witchcraft. Ungratefulness can be compared to the same.

Manipulation is a card that ungrateful individuals will always pull. Their mouth is sweet as honey with flattering words in exchange for favours. They will take you for granted and take advantage of anyone ignorant. They are always the victim in all situations. The feelings of others are normally shoved under the table. They are deceptive and will always blame others for their wrong.

The scripture says in Ephesians 6:12– For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I would also emphasize the fact that persons who behave in such a manner are normally operating under demonic influence. It’s better to not retaliate and treat such a one as they do you. I know it’s hard, however, doing the right thing is not normally easy. But doing the right thing is the best thing to do. And whether we are right or wrong, we have no right to hold an offence.

Can an ungrateful person change?

Yes, an ungrateful person can change and will change with their willingness and God’s ability. A person who is ungrateful, selfish and very old will find it harder to change because they are like old wineskins that burst when new wine is poured into them. This is because most times older folks would just accept ungratefulness and selfishness as just a part of their character not knowing that their behaviour is influenced by evil spirits. Most times they are manipulated into thinking that they are good.

Dealing with an ungrateful individual requires the fruits of the spirit. Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Especially self-control. I pray that the Lord will help us all as we deal with others who are ungrateful, and I pray that in the process we will not get bitter and angry. But that we will allow the right knowledge of God to settle peace and allow love to lead. May God bless his words in the midst of your heart.