Over the next couple of classes, we'll talk about the struggles Christians face in relationships with other people. Parents, children, difficult people.
This week's class (10.25.26) introduced the "Struggling in Relationships" section.
We were created to be in relationship with others (Genesis 2).
Because of sin, relationships are broken and challenging (Genesis 3 and the entire Bible)
When you are saved, you are brought into a right relationship with God and into God's family (Galatians 4:4-7)
In this life, relationships with other people, Christians and non-Christians, can be a blessing or challenge.
Often, blessings come from working through hard things.
Remember Romans 12:18.
“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
In her article How to Respond to Difficult People, Caroline Newheiser lists several points to consider after you have carefully examined your words, actions, and heart.
Some verses about how to relate to difficult people.
- Pray for the challenging person. Matthew 5:44
- Pray for yourself. James 5:16
- Overlook the offense, if possible. Proverbs 19:11
- If needed, go to the person seeking reconciliation. Matthew 5:23 – 24
- Involve others when appropriate. Matthew 18:16 – 20
- Seek (and follow) godly counsel. Proverbs 11:14b
- Do not spread gossip about how you have been offended. Psalm 34:13
- Recognize that you have truly been sinned against. Mark 7:20 – 23
- Do not sinfully react. Proverbs 21:23
- Seek the other person's good. Romans 12:14
- Find ways to serve the troublesome person. Romans 12:20
- Have a heart ready to forgive. Matthew 6:12
- Above all, look to Jesus as your example. "Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." Hebrews 12:3
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