27/05/2026
‘Be careful of people who only like you when you are suffering.”
There are people who feel most comfortable with you when you are weak.
Not because they love you deeply.
Not because they genuinely care.
But because your suffering makes them feel secure.
As long as you are broken, confused, struggling, begging, dependent, depressed, rejected, or beneath them, they know their position in your life is safe.
But the moment you begin to heal…
The moment God starts restoring your confidence…
The moment you start growing, glowing, thinking differently, setting boundaries, succeeding, becoming wiser, becoming loved properly, becoming emotionally stable… You suddenly notice a shift.
That is why you must be careful.
Not everyone clapping for you is happy you are recovering.
Some people enjoy being needed more than they enjoy seeing you healed.
There are people who love being your “helper” because your pain gives them importance.
As long as you are always crying on their shoulder, always failing, always needing advice, always struggling financially, emotionally, spiritually, they feel powerful.
They discourage your growth.
Mock your boundaries.
Downplay your achievements.
Keep reminding you of your past,
Act distant when you are progressing.
Become more affectionate when you are struggling again.
Pay attention to who becomes kinder only when your life falls apart.
Some people are addicted to being around broken versions of others because it hides their own emptiness.
This is why discernment is important.
Not every comforting voice is safe.
Not every helper has pure intentions.
Not every friendship is destiny.
Some people need you weak so they can feel strong.
And the Bible shows us this reality in different ways.
Look at the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis.
When Joseph was just the younger brother under everybody, his brothers could tolerate him.
But the moment they saw the possibility of greatness, favor, and elevation on his life, hatred increased. His growth exposed what was already hidden in their hearts.
Or look at the prodigal son’s elder brother.
When restoration came to his brother, instead of rejoicing fully, bitterness surfaced.
Because sometimes people are comfortable watching others remain beneath them.
A healthy person will not feel threatened by your healing.
They will not become cold because you are finally becoming emotionally stable.
They will not resent your confidence.
They will not punish you for setting boundaries.
They will not secretly miss the broken version of you.
Real love says:
“I am happy you are growing.”
“I am happy you are free.”
“I am happy God is restoring you.”
And sometimes healing will reveal who truly loves you.
Because everybody says they care about you when you are crying.
But watch who still feels comfortable around you when you are shining.
Watch who still claps when you no longer need rescuing.
Watch who still supports you when you become powerful.
Watch who still honors you when your confidence returns.
That is where truth appears.
This is also why you should not build your identity around being pitied.
Jesus healed people and told them to rise.
He did not preserve their brokenness so they would keep depending on Him emotionally for attention.
© Roseline Nelson (Godly Women Matters)