Have you ever dealt with difficult people in your life before? Think about that for a moment…I would imagine that you probably didn’t have to go that deep in thought. Now let me ask you this question. Can you think of a few people in your life currently, that may be a little difficult to deal with? Yeah, I’ve been there and I am there. Don’t be surprised! I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve discovered that once you overcome one, here comes another. It’s like they are assigned to you! Ha! But I know that God is at work here, and I’m sure He’s at work in you too (and He will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ). With that being said, I believe that one of the reasons God allows this continual process of being around difficult people, is so that we can truly learn how to “love” individuals the way Christ loves us.
When I began working on this piece, I kept hearing the word, “love.” Now, some of you may be thinking, “What? That’s it. That’s all you’ve got!” And I would answer a wholehearted, “Yes.” Romans 13:8 states, “Owe no man anything, but to love one another…” It may seem simple, but if you’ve ever overcome to some extent in this area, you’ll agree that loving a difficult person is anything but easy - especially when you’re met with opposition.
Before we go any further, let’s take the love test. This is a good way to tell if you’re around a difficult person: Do you cringe when they come around? Do you feel like you’re walking on eggshells with them? Do they say negative things when you’re trying to be positive or the complete opposite? Oops! Yep, I asked that question. And the reason why is because sometimes we can be the unlovable one at times. Ouch! Heart Check!
Let’s face it. We’re not perfect people either. And if we’re honest, we’ll admit that we have flaws too and could at times appear to be difficult as well…even when we’re not trying to be. Personally, I like to have fun! I also love a good conversation (my hubby would agree with this since he’s a part of many of them – Thanks honey!). However, the other side of me is that I have a pretty strong personality as it relates to my work ethic, and that can be tough for some people. Part of my gifting is an Administrator and Exhorter (Read Romans 12:6-8 regarding your motivational gifts).
By these being my top two gifts, I’ll say, “Ok, this is what we need to do guys. Now, let’s put some wheels on the bus.” But then I’ll turn around and say, “Come on! We can do it!” Note, the first part might come off as bossy or domineering to some, but then the second part would be considered encouraging. Although I mean well, to some people that might seem irritating and difficult. Nonetheless, the lesson here is simply learning that difficulties can appear in any of us. The key is dealing with them through our love for one another. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” So you see, love is vital.
Look, in this life, we will experience difficult people. Whether they are new friends, co-workers, church members, bosses, family, or people in our community, we will encounter them. Yet, it’s really not about whether we encounter them; rather it’s about how we handle the encounter. I’ve learned that when God allows difficult people to enter my life, it’s a time to grow. It’s His way of cultivating the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness (humility), and self-control in me (Galations 5:22-23).
Acts of love can be shown through various ways like a hug, smile, an encouraging word just to show that you care, or a prayer. Ask God to show you how to love the difficult ones in your life. And if there’s a spark of it in you, ask Him to show you, so you can rectify it. God is in the soul-saving business, and He wants to use us as instruments for His glory, but we cannot do this without love.
First Corinthians 13:4-7 says, “Love is patient, and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” Learn to walk in victory by loving difficult people.
Tune in next week for Part 3 of “How to Walk In Victory” – Balancing Your Social (Media) Life with Your Personal Life. You don’t want to miss this one!
Remember, Jesus is coming soon. Let’s get ready from the inside out!
~Courtnaye
Thanks for reading! Like, comment, or share from my Facebook page. And also feel absolutely free to leave a comment here! I’d love to get your feedback! I pray that God will continue to enlighten you to live for Him through His word in your daily life. Stay tuned for new blog posts every Monday at 7:30am on Inside Out with Courtnaye. You can see previous blogs on my website by visiting www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org or receive it by “Liking” my Facebook page by clicking here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inside-Out-with-Courtnaye/202095829824129#!/pages/Inside-Out-with-Courtnaye/202095829824129. Also, follow me on Twitter by inoutwcourtnaye. Thanks again![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
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