SEVEN SIGNS OF A VICTIM MENTALITY Having a victim mentality can isolate and foster disrespect for others, causing hatred to fester towards someone who is different in their belief systems of politics, religion, and economic status. This hatred and need to blame someone for current negative circumstances will eventually lead to a victim mentality.
1. Conditional Love (Click here)
As a people living in a constant war zone in the Gaza Strip and other parts of the Holy Land, we, as children of Abraham, were subjected to negative media and politics about those who were considered the enemy. This caused us to have selective love for some and hatred for others which promoted the mindset of a victim mentality.
2. Revenge
This victim mentality was reflected in behaviors of revenge in Jerusalem, in the nations of the Middle East, and abroad.
3. Persecution
Christians who lived in the many Middle East countries were forced to immigrate and became one of the persecuted minorities. This persecution can cause a victim mentality to develop and can hinder a person’s ability to connect with others.
4. Self-Centered Pride
Pride will cause a person to think they are better than someone else and drive them to isolate from someone of a different culture, religion, or political persuasion.
5. Fear
The fear that exist as the consequence of war and instability can’t be denied. Fear produces the fight or flight mode in people. A victim mentality is a natural consequence of living in constant fear.
6. Crisis /Trauma
The transitioning point in my life occurred in 2007 after I moved from the Gaza Strip to Nazareth. Relocation to a new home has not been easy, especially when our previous home was bombed in 2019. We have been affected by this even up until now. Events such as these can cause brokenness and a victim mentality.
7. Unforgiveness
In unforgiveness, bitterness grew toward others resulting in blaming them for our negative attitude or catastrophic circumstances.