We need to see the bigger picture (which takes effort because it has nothing to do with "us"). If God gave us what we deserved, what do you think it would be?

And yet, His love & presence is all around us & in our lives. He sacrificed His Son to pay for our sins. He's given us each an opportunity to have eternal life.

But that love is expected to be paid forward. Luke 6:27-28 says that we are commanded to love our enemies (yes, the focus group in today's aren't enemies, but can you truly say that you love them?) We are told to love, do good, bless & pray for them. Notice how it doesn't say "and your relationship with them will become easier"?

Yes but you're only responsible for what you do. When we face the Lord, we will be held accountable for our actions, and our actions alone.

Each of us has "triggers" that, when set off, can & bring out the worst in us. (let's be real - no one's walking on water just yet...) But we need to stop focusing on our triggers and start thinking about the other person's triggers. Pointless debates or toxic subjects have no point. We need to sew love into our words.

Change the subject. Politely excuse yourself from the conversation. Or just be direct enough to say "Let's talk about something else."

For every person we "just can't stand," we are that person to others. (yep) And sometimes, the reason why people rub us the wrong way can be found by simply taking a good, long hard look at ourselves. Quite probably, some people remind us of past hurts. Remember, you're only responsible for "you" - And sincere self-reflection may give us some serious insight about ourselves that will help us in the future.

This sounds corny but it's true. In yesterday's post, I had mentioned how God sees the complete picture & we do not. There are things about these people that we don't know or understand. Only God can help us be kind & patient, until we can discover the things to appreciate in them. In 1 Corinthians 13:4, it says that love is patient. This is not a normal human action - We are selfish and impatient, when left to our own devices. This is why we goto God, and pray for Him to reveal what we need. How can God not help us when we are trying to love others, like He loves us?

Some people are simply "damaged", and that damage can spill over & affect others. It is quite possible that their wounds will not be healed in this lifetime, and that we'll just have to accept where where they are. But again - We are responsible for only our actions. We must learn to change our outlook towards them & how we respond. We need to reflect on previous interactions with them and ask:

Being polite may be the best that we can do, but it's better than retaliation. Politeness goes a long way in dealing with difficult people.

There may come a time when it's necessary to put some space between people. God does not expect us to stay in abusive relationships (Proverbs 22:24). But it doesn't excuse us from continuing to interact with everyone in a more godly manner.

People can be difficult, and how they live may bring some of the worst in us. But we need to remember that our "natural reaction" is not always the best way to respond. God uses others to help us grow. He gives us a better way to respond and wants us to come to Him for all situations. "His way" needs to become ours as well. And again, how can He not bless us with that, if we are sincerely trying?