Hey Besties! Let’s talk about dealing with difficult people.
How would you define a difficult person? Is this person someone who is negative or is this person on the positive side? Does this person live their life in a way that is totally different from yours? What is difficult to you and how would you describe a difficult person?
Before we dive into how to deal with difficult people, we have to come to terms with what difficult means to us personally. We will all have to deal with difficult people at some point in our lives and the truth is sometimes we are the difficult people!
The thing that we need the most when handling someone who is difficult is the practice of patience.
This post will be all about dealing with difficult people.
Are you ready? Let’s geaux!
How To Deal With People
Living in this world you don’t really have the option of not dealing with people. People are everywhere and you were created to live and thrive with God and people.
As a god, you get the opportunity to learn how to have relationships with different people. It is beautiful learning how to manage relationships, inspire, encourage, grow, and experience different expressions of God in people.
One thing that is extremely important however is getting to know yourself first. What if that person who is “difficult” is only difficult because they remind you of a quality that you hate in yourself?
Seeing yourself as a creation first is key to learning how to deal with people. Once you know WHAT a person is, you can navigate their expression a little easier.
Like you, the difficult person is made in the image of God after his likeness (Genesis 1:26). They are a spirit, with a soul, inside of a body.
People come from many backgrounds, traumas, and environments that aren’t like yours. Even if they are like yours, their experiences will almost always be different from yours.
Honestly, most people who are deemed as difficult don’t even know that they’re being difficult. They are simply operating in the way that life taught them to.
Don’t take it personal because people are just people. Sometimes they’re for you and other times they seem like their against you.
But what will be your response?
What Are Some Characteristics Of A Difficult Person
The word difficult is subjective. It is solely based on you think difficult is. While definitions of a difficult person may vary, I do want to give some characteristics of a difficult person to help you understand yourself and the person that you may be encountering.
1. The Controlling Type
This person is one who wants it their way or no way. It can be very difficult managing a relationship with this person because the truth is love doesn’t demand it’s own way.
{How to deal- Recognize that the controlling person is operating out of fear. What you can do is set your boundaries and focus on yourself.}
2. The Aggressive Type
This person can be very combative at times. You may be afraid to interact with this person because of how they may react to you.
{How to deal-Never meet aggression with aggression. Be kind and patient and walk away when you need to.}
3. The Sensitive Type
This person can be fragile in areas, but that doesn’t mean they are weak. A sensitive person can be difficult to deal with when those around them are uncomfortable showing their feelings.
{How to deal-Be mindful of your words and have grace. Sensitivity isn’t a weakness; it’s actually a strength.}
4. The Gaslighting Type
This person can be really difficult to deal with because they emotionally abuse you.
{How to deal-SET YOUR BOUNDARIES and if you need to love them from a distance.}
5. The Throw You Under The Bus Type
This person has been taught that it’s either them or you. Don’t take it personal when they do what they do.
{How to deal-Again set your boundaries and speak up for yourself.}
How To Deal With Difficult People
Dealing with a difficult person takes an immense amount of patience. It also takes love. You won’t ever be able to deal with difficult people if you don’t have a relationship with God and understand yourself first as a creation.
When you give anything to a person, you should be giving them your overflow not everything you have. If you only have a drop of patience in your cup, that’s not enough for yourself and others.
God wants to give you the two things to help you deal with the difficult people in your life. In order to give it to them, you have to receive it from him.
My only question is have you been trying to deal with difficult people on your own? If so, you don’t have to do that anymore. Let me share with you what the Bible has to say about patience.
3 Things That The Bible Teaches Us About Patience:
- God is patient and he has patience for us (2 Peter 3:9).
- It is a key to enjoying the simplicity of life (Matthew 6:33).
- Patience is produced in you (Galatians 5:22-23).
Bible Verses About Patience (When Dealing With Difficult People)
You can count on the word of God to give you life principles on any situation you are facing. Never doubt that God is always there for you cheering you on!
- Galatians 5:22-23 -But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
- Proverbs 15:1-A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
- Proverbs 10:12-Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.
- Colossians 4:6-Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
- James 3:18-And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
- 1 Peter 3:9-Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God called you to do, and he will bless you for it.
- Ephesians 4:15-Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way
- Proverbs 12:16-A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person says calm when insulted
- Proverbs 20:3-Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
- Romans 12:18-Do all you can to live in peace with everyone.
This post was all about dealing with difficult people.
Always remember that you are destined to win because He got up!
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