“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”Romans 12:18 (NIV)
One of the most important skills you can develop as you walk with Christ is to love difficult people.
Here are four loving responses Jesus modeled when he encountered difficult people:
Realize you can’t please everybody. Even God can’t do that! Jesus didn’t mince words when he was talking to a group of religious leaders called Pharisees. He said to them, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?” (Matthew 22:18 NIV) Jesus refused to play games. You can too.
Learn to say no to unrealistic expectations. The Bible says you’re like Jesus when you’re “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15 NIV). It’s fine to say no—just say it with love.
Never retaliate. It only lowers you to their level. Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:38-39 NIV).
Pray for them. It will help you and the difficult people in your life. Jesus’ instructions are simple and clear: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44 NIV). Pray for difficult people, and then trust that God will speak to them.
You encounter difficult people every day. And you’ll often be tempted to react in negative ways. Instead, try loving them through these four responses. You’ll find your relationships strengthened and your character becoming more like Jesus.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Your Gift Brings Hope to the World
God has dreams for your life!
In Pastor Rick’s book "Created to Dream: The 6 Phases God Uses to Grow Your Faith," you’ll learn how to discover God’s custom-made dream for your life—a dream that is bigger and better than anything you could ever dream up on your own! And you’ll find practical help for navigating challenges, delays, and detours that stand in your way.
We’d love to send you a copy as our way of saying thank you for your generous gift below to help take the hope of Jesus to more people through Daily Hope.
Request yours when you give today—and thank you for your partnership!
*All gifts will be doubled up to the full amount of the grant. Thank you for your generous support! *The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
_638876645809349421.webp)