Some People Can Be Difficult To Get Along With…

by | Mar 22, 2017

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Romans 12:18
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Notice this verse doesn’t say, “once that other woman starts treating you the way she should at work, you can live peaceably with her.” No, it says as far as it depends on You, live peaceably with all. All means even those people you don’t care for so much or those that intentionally try to get under your skin and cause problems. Remember, sometimes those people are left in our lives as “homework” from God for us so we will be able to fully grasp the Life Lesson He is trying to teach us. They could be there a long time if your focus is on anything other than behaving as a godly woman trying to live “peaceably with all.”

Now, the nice thing in this verse is that Paul also says, “if possible”. It isn’t always possible, some people will never be the type of person who is going to allow peace between you. In a case like that ~ walk away, don’t give them the time of day and determine in your heart that no matter what they say or do, you will not allow them in to ruin your day! We do have a choice when others push us too far or rub us the wrong way or when they are even just flat out hateful to not allow them to get under our skin and ruin our day. Stop for a minute, take a deep breath and acknowledge that “that person has a problem, I wonder what brought them to this point in life.” Pray for them and move on with your day. Don’t dwell on it, don’t allow your mind to focus on anything hateful they had to say, anytime it starts to come to your mind, just pray for God to help you to focus on what you need to focus on and pray that He will help them through whatever it is that has made them impossible to get along with.

Once you have done your part, “so far as it depends on you”, you can rest assured that God can and will move on your behalf. The verses after this one talk about not seeking revenge but allowing God to be the one who avenges us. You can trust Him to have your back so do your part and leave the other person to Him. It does no good to lower yourself to the other person’s level in life and ruin your testimony and your day when God will handle it for you if you will just remain faithful to Him in the way you handle these situations. The peace you will find in these situations as you learn to let them go instead of getting worked up over it will amaze you and you will have more victory in your days, the affect it will have on others will amaze you as well. You have enough on your plate, don’t allow the distraction of others poor behavior hinder your progress!

Quote:
“Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people.” Barbara Bush

9 Comments

  1. Faith

    Great read! I really needed to hear this. I’ve been challenged with dealing with my ex-husband who has behaved like the people described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. The verse says have nothing to do with such people, but I do have to have limited involvement with him for our kids.
    This devotional message encourages me to give it God and stop letting his poor behavior (and his girlfriend that he started dating during our marriage) occupy my mind and understand that I can interact peacefully with him but Its okay to keep my distance from him on a personal level. He is unrepentant for the things done to me, but overtime I’ve forgiven him and have finally gotten to a place where I can pray for.
    Thank you!

    • Janet

      I know exactly how you feel, I will pray that God will give you the strength you need! God Bless, Janet

      • Faith

        Thank you!!!

  2. Juanita

    Thank you for this today. I have been working with a person now for almost 3 years. She is difficult most days but I try to just let it go and pray for her.

    • Janet

      I totally understand how you feel Juanita, I have been there too may times! I pray God gives you the grace and strength you need! Janet

  3. Shanna Tucker

    I just went through this at work. Thanks for this devotional because I needed it I heard you talk about it on Joyfm and I was like wow this is what I needed to hear this today. Thanks Janet

    • Janet

      Thank you Shanna for the encouragement!
      Janet

  4. Marcia

    How do I fix being the difficult one? I’ve always been quiet because of the gossip and high school atmosphere at work. Now I barely speak to anyone and I feel misunderstood.

    • Janet

      It doesn’t sound as though you are being difficult, you are just avoiding the issues. It is more simple sometimes to just avoid everyone and everything, but then we are missing the opportunity to be Jesus to them. As the old saying goes for people who work together, “you don’t have to be friends outside of work, but it is best to be friendly!” I would do my best to reach out to others but if anyone tries to get you caught up in their drama I would just say, “I’m not really comfortable talking about this,” and then change the subject to something that compliments the person speaking such as, “I love your hair, where do you get it done?” or “I love that outfit you are wearing, it looks great on you!” Often people who thrive on gossip are people who are hurting inside and have low self esteem so by complimenting them, at the same time you end the conversation you are “killing 2 birds with one stone”. Just a thought, I am sure you are a caring person just trying to avoid the conflict of it all, but give it a shot when you are ready and see if you can’t have a positive influence on those you work with to create a better environment for all. God Bless, Janet