It's a sting on our sense of self-respect to be thus accused.  We take it as a slur.  And we're driven to respond in kind.  Eye for eye, etc.

I go through this whole complicated algorithm every time it happens to me.  Do I chew them out in reprisal?  Do I rationally defend myself?  Did I say something to provoke this?  Are their reactions honest, or are they using this as an excuse to dump on me--like they have an agenda?

People are such a mix of motive.  Having a righteous zeal but doing unrighteous deeds.  Unselfish deeds for self-serving ends.

The old wisdom of almost any tradition--Greek philosopher, Christian, Buddhist, etc.--would urge acceptance.  It's karma.  Nothing happens that hasn't been ordered.

Your reader is what is known as 'wise in his own conceits'.  He's suddenly aware that he has gone from responding to sermonizing.  He will grin sheepishly and resume his seat.