Loving Difficult People
 

Loving Difficult People
by Rick Warren

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)

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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.

Had to recognize them as being in their disease. Addiction isn't just alcohol, pills, street drugs, etc. caretaking, workaholics, gamblers, anxiety and depression, can all take us out of ourselves, because we don't want to be there.

We can't always life with ourselves, and often we are the difficult person.

Are we the grumpy old bear? Are we the ones who are pulling hissy fits? Are we the ones who isolates and doesn't allow light into our soul?

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