The 7 Responses for Difficult People

So, at work I deal with a large anti-Christian atmosphere, which, I know why I'm here, but it still gets overwhelming and sometimes the mere thought of going to work makes me ill..but I still pray for every one of my co-workers and supervisors.

Here are some good tips for dealing with those around us who can be difficult, whether it be at church, home, work, public, wherever....

1. Realize you cannot please everybody (John 5:31)
Here Jesus deals with a group of difficult people by appealing to four witnesses of His authority: John the Baptist, His miracles, the Father, and the Scriptures.

2. Refuse to play their game (Matt 22:18)
The Pharisees tried to catch Jesus by pitting him against the government. He refused to play, “But perceiving their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing Me, hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the tax.” So they brought Him a denarius. ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ He asked them.” Matt 22:18-20 (HCSB)

3. Never retaliate (Matt 5:38-39)
“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. Matt 5:38-39 (HCSB)

4. Pray for them (Matt 5:44-45)
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Matt 5:44-45 (HCSB)

5. Control your temper (2 Corinthians 5:16-19)
From now on, then, we do not know anyone in a purely human way ... He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. 2 Cor. 5:16-19 (HCSB)

6. Be quick to forgive and even quicker to ask for forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15)
“For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing. Matt 6:14-15 (HCSB)

7. Remember that everything has God’s fingerprints on it (Job 9:3-5)
If one wanted to take Him to court, he could not answer God once in a thousand [times]. God is wise and all–powerful. Who has opposed Him and come out unharmed? He removes mountains without their knowledge, overturning them in His anger. Job 9:3-5 (HCSB)

You can read the whole article here.

FOR DISCUSSION: Do you have people who are making your ministry/life difficult? What type of difficult person (from above) are they? And how have you dealt with them? Is there any advice here that will help you deal with them better today?

Have a great weekend, and remember... in all reality, you're probably someone else's 'difficult person'!

Ashley