How to Cope with Difficult People

“And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. As the old saying goes, 'From evildoers come evil deeds, so my hand will not touch you.' "(1 Samuel 24:12-13, NIV)

Saul was hunting David down to kill him because of jealousy. David using subterfuge, crept up to Saul and could have easily killed him but decided against it since Saul had been anointed by God. He preferred to await the vengeance of the Lord.

People may hate or look down on us for many reasons including our race, tribe, gender, religion, jealousy and envy. How do you deal with difficult people who abuse you or treat you unfairly? The pressure to retaliate can be very strong but we need to act soberly, after praying for God’s guidance. Sometimes we have to firmly stand our ground when we have recourse, or where moral and ethical issues are involved. Other times it may be wise to back away if we feel it is not possible to redress the situation, and find ways to persevere and cope with the situation. We should however, not be led into quarrels and fights which involve disrespect of people in authority, or that in any way compromises our faith.

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"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!" ~Movie Quote from 'Rocky Balboa'

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