19 Do not let those gloat over me
who are my enemies without cause;
do not let those who hate me without reason
maliciously wink the eye.
20 They do not speak peaceably,
but devise false accusations
against those who live quietly in the land.
21 They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha!
With our own eyes we have seen it.” Psalm 35:19-21

There will always be mockers and scoffers in your midst, some more vocal than others. What we do with what they say is perhaps more important than what they say. So, how does one “grow” thick skin?

1. First, it’s important to recognize that some people no matter how hard you try just will not get along with you. Accepting that reality is difficult but necessary.
2. Secondly, who cares if they mock you? Seriously. Does that person really matter at all to you? Probably not, but we “let them get under” our skin.
3. Thirdly, even though we have said “sticks and stones may break my bones” as children, it doesn’t mean that insults and mockery doesn’t sting. It does.
4. Fourthly, don’t take it personally. Again, going back to point number two, who cares what that person has to say? It’s not you who has the problem. It’s the person mocking who has the issues.
5. Lastly, give the abuse and mockery over to God. Yes, it hurts and stings and lingers, but ultimately it’s God who will be the judge. The sooner we get to this point, the easier it will be for us to “let go” of the mockery.