So many times through my life, I've had others slander, accuse, misunderstand, and even misrepresent me... and these 'character slaughter' actions are so hard to overlook, so hard to get over, and especially very hard to refrain applying my own vengeful version of retaliation in return! But, many years ago, the Lord quickened my heart with; "consider the source"... that was all... "consider the source". And, it made me do two things;
give thought to the person from whom this is coming
would God, Jesus, the Lord, speak to me that way.
Through that quickening, I learned to be patient and enduring with those around me. After-all, Colossians 3:13 reminds us; "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.", which is truly an 'anger stopper', an 'argument diverter', and even better, an opportunity for the Lord to work... in you and them! Also, as the second point references, God would never 'speak to me that way', nor would He EVER speak to me 'through' someone else! That is critical to understand, especially regarding 'consider the source'... because you have a direct connection, a direct link, a permanent and direct fellowship with the Lord, He will never, ever channel His message FOR you, through someone else... regardless of how dramatically emphatic they are otherwise!
See, Ephesians 1:7-8 admonishes us, that; "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (8) Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;", which is a glowing reminder that He died for your soul, not your 'mother-in-law', not your pastor, not even that well meaning and dearest family member or friend. Sure, they can be encouraging, they can be supportive and even instrumental, they can even be a wonderful sounding-board for your life... but, none can replace His grace in your life, His patience and love for you, and certainly guide you in His plan! Never forget how much Jesus cares for you. Isaiah 61:10 even proclaimed; "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.", so regardless of what others on earth think/feel about you... He, God Almighty holds you in highest regards. That leaves me hopeful, as I consider the source of others' railings. Romans 5:5 even states; "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.", which is yet more confirmation for you, for others rarely are sacrificing their lives to 'lift you up'! So the moment you feel that twinge of anger, that prick/sting of pain, that awful and ugly sorrow and discouragement that clouds over your soul... Consider the Source!