How to Deal with Difficult People: A Divine Perspective
God places specific people in our lives purposefully, including those we might find difficult to deal with. This truth becomes evident when we examine Paul's teachings in Timothy.
In 1 Timothy 1:6, Paul addresses those who have strayed into "meaningless discussions" and proceeds to list various sins, including:
- The lawless and rebellious
- The ungodly and sinful
- Those who defile what is holy
- Those who commit murder
Hand holding open book
Yet remarkably, Paul then calls for "petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made FOR ALL PEOPLE" (1 Timothy 2:1 NIV). This might seem counterintuitive, especially when thinking about those who have wronged us personally.
Paul's perspective comes from his own transformation. He acknowledges his past as "a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man" but emphasizes how he "was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief" (1 Timothy 1:12-13 NIV).
This reminds us of an important truth: Before his conversion, Paul would have been exactly the type of person many would have avoided. However, Jesus doesn't avoid sinners—He intentionally stands in their way, understanding their journey from ignorance to belief.
This is the essence of grace. Had God not extended this grace to Paul, we would be missing crucial parts of scripture that have transformed countless lives. Therefore, we should extend grace to those around us, recognizing that they too could be part of God's next great story of redemption.
Our challenge is to see difficult people through God's eyes—as potential miracles in the making, just as Paul was. Their current behavior might stem from ignorance and unbelief, but God's transformative power can change anyone's story.