Pastor Aaron Perdue

Today, we will discuss how responding with Christ-like love is the key to dealing with difficult people. Jesus is the best example of love through His choice to leave heaven, come to the Earth, die to pay for all people’s sins, and rise again to offer eternal life to all people—those who love Him and those who don’t. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He dealt with difficult people, mostly religious leaders. Let’s learn from the Bible and Jesus’ life as we look at five aspects of dealing with difficult people:

1. What does the Bible say about dealing with difficult people?
It will help if we keep in mind that until Christ returns, sin abounds on Earth, and there will be difficult people. Thankfully, we can open our Bibles to learn the truth to use as a roadmap for our lives, showing us how to deal with difficult people. Luke 6:27–31 tells us, “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods, do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” This biblical wisdom doesn’t match what we hear on social media or watch in movies and television. Our flesh doesn’t naturally want to be kind to someone who is being unkind and difficult. But when we have Christ in us, we have His power to do what is unnatural and supernaturally offer love and kindness.

2. How did Jesus handle conflict with others?
The Gospels record several confrontations that Jesus had with religious leaders. His confrontations weren’t to win an argument but to show them the truth so they could choose to follow Him (John 8:37–47). Sometimes, He decided to remain silent. When the religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to trap Jesus, He chose to be quiet, according to John 8:6, “This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.” Jesus chose not to be offended or engage in a meaningless argument. When conflict arises, it may target something we said or did. We can choose not to take offense or confront the issue to clear our name. The Holy Spirit guides us on what to say or when to stay silent—we must follow His lead.

3. What does the Bible say about loving your enemies?
Luke 6:35 read, “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”
Showing this kind of love to our enemies leads people to know we are Christ’s followers and can sometimes lead our enemies to want to be Christ’s followers.

4. How does the Bible encourage humility in tough situations?
Remembering that we aren’t responsible for other people’s feelings, choices, or actions frees us to focus on our reactions. One of the best ways to react is with humility: “…God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). A benefit of choosing humility is seen in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Showing humility allows us to be at peace, and the other person has to choose whether they will be at peace with us.

5. How do forgiveness and boundaries align in Christian teachings?
When dealing with difficult people, we must always practice forgiveness, but remember that trust is earned and boundaries protect us. Colossians 3:13 says, “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” God has forgiven us much, so we shouldn’t withhold forgiveness from anyone. By using boundaries, you can serve others but limit their destructive behavior on you. Responding with Christ-like love to difficult people allows them to see in action the Gospel’s transformative power, which is what Jesus did for us that we could not do for ourselves.

When we start viewing difficult people as God does, we recognize He made them in His image with a good plan and purpose for their lives. When you encounter someone challenging, the Holy Spirit can assist you in ministering God’s love to them. The encounter might not feel like a divine appointment, but the situation can turn when you choose to be Christ’s hands and feet to touch them with His love and minister while dealing with a difficult person.

Charis Christian Center welcomes you to join us on Sunday mornings at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM or Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM. Our pastors, staff, and volunteers show God’s love by serving others and creating an environment where you can experience grace and growth in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

If you want to know more about Charis Christian Center, please visit
https://www.charischristiancenter.com/.