Loving Difficult People
Talk with others online about spiritual issues or whatever’s on your mind in our online chat rooms. Daily live chats happen nearly every day.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
When asked what he considered the most valuable skill in employees, the financier John D. Rockefeller replied, “The ability to get along with people!”
One of the most important skills we can develop as we walk with Christ is knowing how to love troublemakers. If you learn how to interact with difficult people, then you’ll be able to pour your energy into areas of ministry rather than constantly putting out fires of conflict.
Here are four methods Jesus modeled when he encounter difficult people:
1. Realize you can’t please everybody. Even God can’t do that! Refuse to play games (Matthew 22:18).
2. Learn to say no to unrealistic expectations. Confront them by “telling the truth in love.”
3. NEVER retaliate (Matthew 5:38-39). It only lowers you to their level.
4. Pray for them (Matthew 5:44). It will help both of you. Let God speak to them.
Question: Which of the four points above do you find most difficult, and why?
About this Author: Rick Warren
Tags: Devotional, difficult people, kindness, love, Men, patience, peace, prayer, Rick Warren, spiritual growth, trouble
2 Responses to “Loving Difficult People”
Leave a Reply
Start a Conversation
Media
Connecting Through Technology
Do you use technology to stay in touch with family and friends?
>Watch
It’s just been over a month since I’ve started receiving this daily devotional. God has really blessed me with these words. They have hit on very relavent issues going on in my life. God knows what we each are going through. God is good!
I used to stay away from troublemakers because I feel that I wont be able stand being near them but i realized that i just could not avoid them every time specially in situations that i have no means of escape such as the workplace. Now, i have learned to be more tolerant and just let people be with having them affect my life. The most important learning that i have right now is the word RESPECT. I believe that we have become who we are because of some events in our life that up to now make us bitter and angry. Everybody does, I believe, but after learning how to respect people (without being a foot rug), my life has become easier to live and most of all STRESS FREE. GOD bless us all.