“I love people/my neighbor with the love of Christ, but I am just not a people person.”

Today, we are going to examine such a sentiment.

Let us start with an important disclaimer: If the above sentence mirrors something you have said, know now that condemnation is not the aim of this post.

We however, hope to shed light on why this stance is unbiblical.

Also, our prayer is for us to allow Holy Spirit to convict us to righteousness.

Know and trust that He never condemns.

Where does this phrase come from?

There are oft-quoted platitudes that, though accepted by the world, has no business in the mouths of believers.

Culture is the culprit in this case.

Memes are scattered across the internet with quote after quote glorifying not being a people person.

But remember, we are to be set apart.

We must not conform to the world.

² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

It is important for us to acknowledge as well that the opposite is also defined by culture.

Being a people person is generally understood to mean that you are an extrovert.

Society does indeed reward those who are deemed to be friendly and outgoing.

These are those people who appear to be the life of the party and thrive in social environments.

They exude confidence when meeting new people and are often considered worthy of emulation.

Companies often advertise great communication and interpersonal skills as a prized requirement for prospects.

This Is Not An Attack On Introverts

While the world idealizes extroversion, this is not a biblical ideal.

We see no evidence anywhere in the Bible where a person got elevated based on where they fall on the  introversion/extroversion continuum.

The reality of the matter is that both introverts and extroverts are called to love people.

Both can flourish in ministry and have a positive impact on their sphere of influence.

Even today, there are known ministers who preach powerfully from both ends of the spectrum.

Jackie Hill Perry, a masterful speaker, poet, rapper and gifted bible teacher is admittedly an introvert.

Bringing it in for the extroverts is Michael Todd, lead pastor for Transformation Church. He has always been outgoing and high-energy.

9 Reasons Why ‘I’m Not a People Person’ Is Unbiblical

So now that we’ve clarified that it is ok to be an introvert, let us banish this saying from our vocabularies as Christians forever.

Adopting this mindset robs us of unique opportunities to grow spiritually.

It limits our scope to receive love and to give love.

Here are a 9 scriptural reasons why we must get rid of it:

It is completely antithetical to the Great Commission. Christ has also called us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

³⁰ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’³¹ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-31

We are to be servants just as Christ came to serve and not be served

²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:28

We are called to set good examples

⁷ In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Titus 2:7-8

When we love others well our light shines and glorifies God

¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

We are meant to be support systems for each other

² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

We are to seek out rather than run from those in need

¹⁷ If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

1 John 3:17

Being hurt by people is a call for forgiveness, not a call for avoidance

³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

People allow us to grow the fruit of the Spirit. We cannot grow if we are not challenged

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

People help to keep us accountable

¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron,

    so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

When all is said and done, Jesus loves people.

He is a people person.

We cannot truly claim to be followers of Christ and continue to embrace this saying.

So now, we can stop contradicting our very identity and the privilege we have to call ourselves Christ Followers.

Song Choice

This song couldn’t be more perfect for today’s topic.

Jonathan McReynolds did a superb job in penning these lyrics.

Be sure to let them sink in.

If you have read this far, don’t miss out on the video.

Trust!

So Tell Us

Have you, like so many of us, found yourself saying “I’m not a people person” or “I cant stand people” out of frustration?

Be encouraged, Holy Spirit is already on the case.

He will help us pivot and also spot anything else in us that needs to be corrected.

Tell us too if you are naturally a people person.

Drop any tips in the comments so we can help each other out.

Also, please help us to get to more people by sharing this post with someone you know.

We would appreciate that so much.

If you liked this post, check out our last post on how to avoid unwholesome talk.

Until our next post…Stay Blessed