How Do You Cope with Difficult People?

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Here are some tips one writer offers on how to deal with difficult people: Stay calm. Discuss but never argue. Look for alternatives. It is not about your way, their way, but a better way. Respect and reflect on the opinions others have. Do not get discouraged. Let time be your mediator. The Apostle Paul echoed Jesus’ teachings when he counseled believers living in Rome on how to live with difficult people. We read this in Romans 12, “Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. Don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live at peace with everyone. Never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take vengeance: I will pay them back,” says the LORD. Instead, ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads. Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” This is wise advice when we have to deal with difficult people.