Perhaps, we have even asked God to remove these difficult people from our lives... or change them into someone more tolerable?Is there another way to think about this? Perhaps they are supposed to be in our lives. Perhaps having them in our life is to allow us to change into the person of character God created us to be.
Moses complained to God about the people in his life-- the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land. Noah was in the midst of difficult people. Elijah disappeared into a cave to get away from his mess (difficult people). And, surely you remember Joseph whose brothers stuffed him in a well. Talk about difficult people. We are not Moses, or Noah, or Elijah...however, we each have difficult people in our lives. This person may live in our house, across the street, or show up at our work place every day.
We each have a ministry within the boundaries of our lives. Let God set the setting; the work is ours. Work? One can not do ministry without people, especially the difficult ones. Part of your calling is all wrapped up in the relationships/connections we have. Love God. Love your fellow man.
My friend forwarded this to me...
To live daily with people, that on occasion are extremely different requires great effort. It requires diplomacy and tolerance, to adapt and accept (give in or let go), knowing when to speak and when to be quiet, what to say and what not to say.
It appears to be a lot of work, however, these are the forces that transform us into spiritual beings, polished and refined. In this way we learn to truly love.
Impossible? Nothing is with God!
Give us, O Lord,a steadfast heart,
which no unworthy affection
may drag downwards...
Thomas Aquinas
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