Have you ever had to deal with a difficult person? Perhaps at work or at school? Maybe even in your family? People can be awesome but also difficult. They can be moody, unhelpful, sarcastic or even rude. Getting along with difficult people can seem impossible.
We all may encounter people like this wherever we go. So what should we do? How can we get along with them?
Be patient
This is so difficult to do. When people are rude or difficult, the last thing we want to do is be patient. But think of it this way; when someone is being difficult, they are like a match that has been lit. When we respond to them in a negative way, it can be like throwing petrol on that spark. It often erupts into a bonfire. The Bible says that a kind word can turn away a sharp tongue. What that means is that if we remain calm and patient with difficult people, it may just cause them to calm down and realise how they are behaving.
Put yourself in their shoes
This can sometimes be called empathy. Empathy is trying to imagine what it would be like to be where they are in life. We never know what people are going through. Perhaps their home life is challenged or they have pressure at work. We don’t always know what people are facing but it often comes out in how they treat us and react to us.
Try to not take it personally
This is a tough one because if someone is rude to you, it feels pretty personal. What I mean by this is, don’t let it get in your heart and your mind. Whatever rude thing they may say to you, don’t accept it. Let it go in one ear and out the other.
The truth is that God loves everyone and His kindness is towards all of us. Try to remember this when dealing with difficult people. And if they have hurt you or made you angry, forgive them. You are loved by God and He has a great plan for your life. That is true everyday, even on the days when people are rude and difficult.
To find out more about God’s love for you or if you need help to forgive others, click on the link below or on the pop up.