How to Deal with Difficult People part 5 The summary
Even though I've worked in Christian ministry for most of my adult life, I've still had to deal with difficult people. Many of them have tried my patience, some have helped me recognize my own offenses, and a few have even tested my faith in God. They've certainly exposed areas within me that needed work, helping to develop character and strengthen my walk with Christ.
I can't say I've mastered the art of dealing with difficult people, but I have learned that sometimes it's okay to avoid them. It's actually biblical. King David is a great example of someone in the Bible who triumphed over many offensive characters to become Israel's king and a man after God's own heart.
Your comments:
Demon Influence
I believe all evil behaviors or characteristics are of demonic influence, thus why they do not see or feel effects of their doing. Demons are spiritual forces only dealt with in prayer by actually coming against their intended purpose and mission in that person's life, and then apply God's purpose. It is not the person, per se, but the devil. Apply medicine to the wound. Everyone is born a wonderful being.
Best to Ignore Them
I found in past experience that bullies and difficult people have personality problems, and one is far better off to ignore them. It always worked for me. People hate to be ignored.
Power in Prayer
I agree with all the ways that people have given on this blog, and just know there is power in prayer and in showing love. It's easy to love someone who is good to you, but it takes the love of the Lord Jesus in us to flow like a river. Be refreshed ourselves through the Word and then we will in return refreshing to others.
The Tea Diet
Try the 'tea diet.' Pretend your mouth is full of iced tea and you can't speak back. It's amazing how this helps. Or, remember this verse, "an answer, when mild, turns away wrath."
Ask God to Change Them
I pray for them, and ask the Lord to change them. They can't change themselves, so we need to pray for them.
Forgiveness of Trespasses
It is necessary that we forgive those who trespass against us as we ask God to forgive us our trespasses. We trust in God that He will respond to prayer, for if we believe, we will receive whatever we ask for in prayer. When someone is difficult with us, simply LOOK UP! Pray for them because problems which exist need to be restored. Respect is one of the most important words we know. Even though someone does not seem to respect us, we must show that we respect them. As God told us, "Hate the sin, but love the sinner." That's where we follow in the footsteps of Jesus regarding this particular problem. AMEN
Send the Light
I learned this and do this all the time from Joyce Meyer: When dealing with the dark send the light. I know when I am attacked with unkindness, I will send a gift, and it always brings me peace. The offense between me and the difficult person is gone. I also believe I have more issues with non-believers then believers. It's hard when we're trying to be like Christ and they don't have or know what conviction is like.
—Guest linda colleran
Be a Friend
I always smile, every time I meet difficult people. I think they have a hard time in their life and need a soft word. 1 John 3:16
—Guest whing pamplona
Loving Those Who Oppose
Loving those who oppose us is the perfect opportunity for us to practice real love - love that is not dependent on anything else. It is also the perfect opportunity for us to grow as real human beings.
—UltimateLifestyleProject
Pray For Difficult People
Without the wisdom and knowledge of God through Jesus Christ, it is very difficult to deal with difficult people. Yes, you can avoid them, but the problem will follow you, because sometimes they just drain you so they think they will feel better. We have to face the difficult person, but allow the love of God be our guide.
—Guest JuLaw
Human Resources
Difficult people are never easy, but I begin by setting an appointment with the person. I ask them their goals and strengths. Then I ask if I can help them make a plan to reach their goals. Once the difficult person is set to making a plan, they usually do not find the time to bother anyone else any longer. This does not always work, but I would say for out of five times, it works by redirecting their efforts into something positive.
—Guest Kristy
Peace Even If ...
Find time in your day to study for at least an hour, first get permission from Abba; Build up God's Word in you, and everything else is gravy, unimportant!
—Guest Renee G
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
I give those difficult people and their difficulties to Abba, and walk away praising Him because He's going to handle them!
—Guest Renee G
Pray for Them
One of the ways that I deal with difficult people is to recognize that their difficult behaviors are a reflection of something they are struggling with, not me. The majority of the time I don't take their behavior personally, unless I know I did them wrong in some way. Happy, healthy people don't feel the need to hurt others and make their lives difficult. I pray for this hurting person. It took me a long time to get to this point. We all need prayer. Lord knows I do.
—Guest Tricia
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Dealing with Difficult People: Look in the Mirror
I hope you have enjoyed these devotions. Our evangelism at Stonebridge is going well lets keep it in prayer.
Dealing With Difficult People Part 4
Dealing with Difficult People: Look in the Mirror
The most difficult person each of us has to deal with is our self. If we are honest enough to admit it, we cause ourselves more trouble than others do. We are our own worse enemy.
David was no different. He committed adultery with Bathsheba, then had her husband Uriah killed. When confronted with his crimes by Nathan the prophet, David admitted:
"I have sinned against the Lord." (2 Samuel 12:13, NIV)
At times we need the help of a pastor or godly friend to help us see our situation clearly. In other cases, when we humbly ask God to show us the reason for our misery, he gently directs us to look in the mirror.
Then we need to do what David did: confess our sin to God and repent, knowing he always forgives and takes us back.
David had many faults, but he was the only person in the Bible God called "a man after my own heart." (Acts 13:22, NIV) Why? Because David depended completely on God to direct his life, including dealing with difficult people.
We can't control difficult people and we can't change them, but with God's guidance we can understand them better and find a way to cope with them. Including ourselves.
If we are honest, we have many habits and traits that we can’t stand in others. These make our lives difficult from time to time and may cause pain and hurt to others.
Today I urge you the to pray them away and ask God to remove them from your life.
Father, its me its me its me oh Lord standing in the need of prayer. Father I have looked in the mirror and don’t like what I see take them away; I give you permission to change me today in Jesus name amen.
1. West Coast Prayerline - 712-451-6000. Access code 281432#. Meeting times daily@ 6am Mon – Sun and 9pm Mon – Fri. (Facilitated by Elder Michael Blue & Elder Wanda Flowers.)
2. East Coast Prayerline - 605-990-0700. Access code 503942#. Meeting times @ 6am and 9pm weekdays and 6:30am weekends. (Facilitated by Chris Brooks). You can also visit www.gracefam.org.
3. San Francisco Prayerline - 641 297 4600. Access code is 7792#. Meeting times daily @ 6:30am Mon – Sun (Facilitated by Sis. Grant and Elder Wanda Flowers)
4. CPR Prayerline - - 218 862 1000. Access
code is 996832#. Meeting times @ 9pm Sunday to Friday (Times are EST: Facilitated by Yvette Stoute.)
5. Urgent Prayer Request +0208 202 4863(London number) or text +7940443879
6. Emergency Prayer -1 888 820 8627 or visit www.pray4meinc.com .
RAY OF HOPE 4 U
61 Selborne gardens
London NW4 4SH
England, UK
+447940443879 (London)
rayofhope4u@hotmail.com
www.rayofhope4u.co.uk
http://rayofhope4u.blogspot.com
http://www.squidoo.com/rayofhope4u
http://www.mission2zimbabwe2010.vpweb.co.uk
prayerline +44208 202 4863 or text +447940443879
Dealing With Difficult People Part 4
Dealing with Difficult People: Look in the Mirror
The most difficult person each of us has to deal with is our self. If we are honest enough to admit it, we cause ourselves more trouble than others do. We are our own worse enemy.
David was no different. He committed adultery with Bathsheba, then had her husband Uriah killed. When confronted with his crimes by Nathan the prophet, David admitted:
"I have sinned against the Lord." (2 Samuel 12:13, NIV)
At times we need the help of a pastor or godly friend to help us see our situation clearly. In other cases, when we humbly ask God to show us the reason for our misery, he gently directs us to look in the mirror.
Then we need to do what David did: confess our sin to God and repent, knowing he always forgives and takes us back.
David had many faults, but he was the only person in the Bible God called "a man after my own heart." (Acts 13:22, NIV) Why? Because David depended completely on God to direct his life, including dealing with difficult people.
We can't control difficult people and we can't change them, but with God's guidance we can understand them better and find a way to cope with them. Including ourselves.
If we are honest, we have many habits and traits that we can’t stand in others. These make our lives difficult from time to time and may cause pain and hurt to others.
Today I urge you the to pray them away and ask God to remove them from your life.
Father, its me its me its me oh Lord standing in the need of prayer. Father I have looked in the mirror and don’t like what I see take them away; I give you permission to change me today in Jesus name amen.
1. West Coast Prayerline - 712-451-6000. Access code 281432#. Meeting times daily@ 6am Mon – Sun and 9pm Mon – Fri. (Facilitated by Elder Michael Blue & Elder Wanda Flowers.)
2. East Coast Prayerline - 605-990-0700. Access code 503942#. Meeting times @ 6am and 9pm weekdays and 6:30am weekends. (Facilitated by Chris Brooks). You can also visit www.gracefam.org.
3. San Francisco Prayerline - 641 297 4600. Access code is 7792#. Meeting times daily @ 6:30am Mon – Sun (Facilitated by Sis. Grant and Elder Wanda Flowers)
4. CPR Prayerline - - 218 862 1000. Access
code is 996832#. Meeting times @ 9pm Sunday to Friday (Times are EST: Facilitated by Yvette Stoute.)
5. Urgent Prayer Request +0208 202 4863(London number) or text +7940443879
6. Emergency Prayer -1 888 820 8627 or visit www.pray4meinc.com .
RAY OF HOPE 4 U
61 Selborne gardens
London NW4 4SH
England, UK
+447940443879 (London)
rayofhope4u@hotmail.com
www.rayofhope4u.co.uk
http://rayofhope4u.blogspot.com
http://www.squidoo.com/rayofhope4u
http://www.mission2zimbabwe2010.vpweb.co.uk
prayerline +44208 202 4863 or text +447940443879
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