Devotional Gems by Jolene
Created for Bible Study for Kids
Difficult People
Romans 12:18
By J.D. Griffith
When someone asked John D. Rockefeller what is the most valuable skill for
employees to possess, he said, “The ability to get along with people.”
We may agree with him. Everyone knows a person who is “difficult”. A person
who continually argues, nit picks, and is disagreeable is hard to take—even
in small doses. Jesus gave us a command to love one another. But how do we
love difficult people?
This important skill is necessary to learn as we walk with Christ. After we
learn how to interact with troublemakers, we can pour our energy into
different aspects of living. Resolving conflict and putting out personal
fires can become second nature to them who follow Jesus. We can follow His
model:
1. Matthew 22:18 shows us how to refuse to play games. Jesus realizes He
can’t please all people. Make boundaries and stand firm by them. When
someone dares you to do that which you know is wrong, walk away.
Sometimes no answer speaks louder than using words.
2. We’re to learn how to refuse unrealistic expectations. Playing is
fun, but when it conflicts with promises already made, it’s better to
decline. It is harder to make amends to someone after breaking a promise
than it is to reschedule another time that doesn’t conflict.
3. Matthew 5:38-39 teaches us to “turn the other cheek” when someone
hurts us. That means not getting even. We’re not to strike back when
someone hurts us.
Give anger a rest by giving the other person some space to calm down. It
takes two people to argue. Walking away ends the debate.
4. It never feels good when someone is angry at us.
Disagreements will happen.
Sometimes the other person refuses to see our point.
Matthew 5:44 offers a solution: prayer.
When we lift our concerns to the Lord in prayer, He will open the eyes
of people. Sometimes it is me who needs to learn a lesson, and then I
must admit my error.
Take Home Nugget
Romans 12:18 says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live
at peace with everyone.” This seems to be at the heart of the matter.
Striving for peace will offset anger. When friends recognize your
ambition is peaceful, they will be eager to work with you.
Some people are easy to click with a bond.
Others take every chance to fight.
Some are folks with whom we are fond,
Others need prayer to do what’s right.
J.D. Griffith
