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Loving Difficult People

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18

1) Perspective. How do you see yourself? How do you see others? Understand this: it is impossible to consistently behave in a manner that is inconsistent with the way you see yourself. If you see yourself negatively, you will see others that way too. The opposite is also true; people who see themselves positively, look for the good in others and generally find it. It is all in your perspective.

2) Process. Do you understand that every relationship goes through stages? Some people see a relationship as a series of isolated incidents and as a result, one bad incident can ruin it. Their friendships are precarious on-again-off-again associations. They run every time a difficulty arises; therefore they seldom, if ever, develop long-standing relationships.

3) Problems. How are you handling your relationship problems? Here is how God says you should be handling them. 'Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self ...isn't always 'me first,' doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others ...puts up with anything...always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end' (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Stop! Read those words again and let them sink in. This kind of love is an act of your will, not a product of your emotions. It is based on a commitment to love. Make that commitment today and watch things begin to change for the better!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me develop a love for others that is an act of the will, and not only my emotions. In Jesus’ Name, Amen