Over the last few days we’ve been thinking through how we deal with difficult people and negativity. We know that we don’t need to fear others, or exact revenge. With the Holy Spirit helping us, we’re asked to confront the other person with honesty, strength, and where possible, positivity and grace. We can use the tools God has given us to check in with Him before reacting, and lovingly work towards reconciliation. There’s a reason that Philippians 3:14 calls the Christian life a ‘high calling’ (KJV). With God, we really can rise above any difficulty. In Matthew 5:43-47, Jesus says ‘You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven… If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?... And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others?’ (NIVUK). God is calling us not only to deal well with difficult people, but to love them and pray for them. That’s a hard instruction, but we can be assured that whatever God asks us to do, He will help us with. A good first step is to pray for those people as Jesus instructs. Make sure not to use that as a chance to dwell on your anger or to be passive-aggressive, though. Set the situation aside for a moment, and pray for the difficult person as a human being. Pray for their heart, for them to have a life-changing relationship with God. Pray for them to be surrounded by so much good that they soften. Pray for their healing. Pray positively, and pray with love.

What Now?

Set aside some time today to really focus on the difficult people in your life, bringing them before God, and praying positively as explained above.