We all deal with difficult people. Seeking God’s guidance is crucial to avoid being trapped in bondage to their hurtful actions.
These interactions can influence our thoughts, responses, and actions, leading to anger, bitterness, or hatred if left unchecked, and playing the same broken record… why does this person treat me this way? Why can’t they just be kind?
Finding Freedom through Prayer and God’s Presence
When dealing with someone who continually hurts us, the first step is to pray. Stop, drop to your knees, and pray so you can put out the fire of bitterness, anger, offense, and hurt that’s burning in your heart. Surrender completely to Him and walk in His guidance.
When we walk with God, we learn to let go and forgive, just as He has forgiven us. It’s way deeper than them; it’s about our relationship with God. We need to look past the person and see the enemy’s tactics to stir up anger, offense, and pride. Otherwise, we believe we have a right to hold a grudge and that’s the most dangerous place we can be because that is not who God has called us to be and it does not bring Him glory.
Love is an Action Word
If you’re struggling to forgive, reflect on God’s love for you. As my Nana reminds me, “Love is an action word and we have to love people with an agape love.” God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). He commands us to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34). Lean on God’s strength and guidance as you seek to forgive and love others (Ephesians 4:32).
Prayer and Trust
Pray for the person who has offended you, trusting that God will fix the hard parts and guide you. May you find peace and healing as you seek to forgive and love others as Christ loves you.
Moving Forward with Faith
Give this situation to God and make obedience, love, joy, and let the fullness of God be your response. Lean not to your own understanding when dealing with difficult people. Let love be your objective and really mean it and really show it as much as you can because you want to please God.
It’s not about you, or the offensive behavior of another person – it’s about Christ.
Sometimes it’s healthy and wise to create boundaries with people who are so difficult that they can cause a lot of grief in your life, but create boundaries with the expectation that God can break barriers at any moment. You can create boundaries without carrying bitterness in your heart. You can create boundaries and still show the love of Christ and not mistreat another person because then you run the risk of holding on to unforgiveness and pride.
Ask God to break down those walls and surrender to Him in everything. Live with the expectation that the difficult person will more than likely continue to be difficult, but that doesn’t give you the right to change course – you are a child of God.
Cast your anxiety upon the Lord, remove bitterness, and ask God to take every thought captive. Let your light shine and rejoice in the Lord always. You have a purpose and special calling on this earth; focus on that and be joyful. Everyone won’t be in your corner, but when they need you, you’ll be in theirs.
Prayer for Breakthrough and Joy
Lord, we love You and thank You for Your goodness, grace, and mercy. We repent for any unforgiveness and pray that You help us love others as You have called us to. Help us heal from wounds caused by difficult people. Surrender every situation to You, especially the hard things. Break every chain and remove any bondage or anger in Your mighty name of Jesus.
Smile, knowing that God is in control and working everything out for your good.
Now let’s cut off the broken record, break free, and worship the Lord. We got this because God has us.