3.20.2013

The ABC's of dealing with Difficult People

Found this in a magazine from our church and it so awesome and some great advice:

A -Apologize first.  We all make errors because we are human. Be quick to say I'm sorry
B- Set Boundaries.  People can only drive you nuts if you allow them too
C- Be Cheerful. Negative Nellie's don't like to be around cheerful people, they will either change their attitude or their address- either way you win
D- Choose to Dwell on good things {Philippians 4:8}
E- Enjoy life
F- Forgive others easily. even.if.they.don't.ask. God forgives us as we freely forgive your brothers and sister and if you make as many mistakes as i do. You need this constant forgiveness flow
G- Have a grateful heart. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  We do not become as easily agitated when we are busy counting out blessings and giving thanks
H- Be holy.  It is easier said than done- but strive to interact with others as Jesus would, not only in face to face interactions but in emails, on Facebook, and on other social media venues. We are responsible for what we say and do and type
I- have an I can do this spirit. {Philippians 4:13} cheers us on: I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.
J- Sometimes we forget that we simply need to ask Jesus for help He can soften a persons attitude when nothing else seems to work.  I have never liked the expression " Kill them with Kindness because it sounds so violent.
K- Kindness is an act of godliness, and i have never been disappointed by the response i have received when i have extended kindness.
L- Love truly bears all things, believes all things, hopes all thing, endures all things {1 Corinthians 13:7}.  The bible instructs us to love our neighbour, Scripture is clear that God is not impressed when we love people who love us.  However, when we do the hard work of loving those who are not easy to love, he takes notice {1 Peter 2:17-20}God has high expectations of his people.  He expects us to reflect the fruit of the spirit  which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness and faith.
M- meekness, and temperance {Galatians 5:22-23}. Notice all nine characteristics make up the singular fruit, God knew that the key to dealing with difficult people is by reflecting the total fruit of the spirit.
N- Never give up on broken humanity God did not.
O- be open and Transparent with others. it will make you vulnerable, but people, regardless of how difficult they can be, seem to react vulnerability the same- with compassion
P-  Philippians: When people are driving you crazy, read the book of Philippians.
Q- Don't be afraid to ask a questions, sometimes a questions if your best option to diffuse a situation. Remember, in every situation you can choose to remain
R- Respectful. . The word of God is true
S- a soft answer
Turns away
U ugly
V-vicious
W-wrath
X- Xanax- sometimes we stabilize our mood when scripture is the prescription we really need, enough said.
Y- YOU- remember you can only control you, Be the best you can be, you must give an account for you. Focus on your interactions and reactions as you deal with others.  Most of the time we get what we deserve and we reap what we sow. So, if you find your self dealing with difficult people ask yourself, am i also a difficult person?
Z-  there is no end to the things you might know depending on how far beyond Zebra you go.

So keep on loving difficult people, and God will keep on loving you . 

~Dr Bobbi Morehead

3 comments

  1. I love A. So many don't want to apologize because they're prideful, but chances are both people involved have done SOMETHING wrong, no matter how small, and apologizing is the first step to bridging the gap.

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  2. Great reminder - I think that setting boundaries is so important.

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  3. These are awesome awesome tips! I love E- Enjoy life. I think if you are happy and having fun, it will either rub off, or like you said, make em run. Who doesn't love being around happy people anyway right?

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