You get up one morning and it is a beautiful day. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. Life is wonderful. You get to work and immediately get cornered by the most difficult person there. They are angry with you and, before you know it, your day has been ruined before it even got started good.
We all have difficult people we have to deal with from time to time. So, here are some tips to help you deal with them in the future.
1. HAVE YOUR HEART IN TUNE BEFORE PUTTING YOUR MOUTH IN GEAR
We never know when the confrontation with that difficult person will happen. Therefore, it is important that we begin our day spending some time getting our heart and attitude right with God so we can respond properly when the time comes.
2. GIVE A SOFT ANSWER TO THEIR HARD ATTACK
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” They may be looking for a fight; don’t give it to them. When you give a soft answer, it tends to de-esculate the situation. It is difficult to fight with someone who will not fight back.
3. HONESTLY EVALUATE THEIR CONCERN
Sometimes we can become so defensive of someone’s attack on us that we fail to consider that what they were saying may have some merit. The way they approached you may have been wrong, but what they approached you about may be a genuine concern you need to deal with.
4. REALIZE THERE COULD BE MORE GOING ON
That difficult person could be dealing with personal issues at home that you know nothing about. It doesn’t excuse their behavior but realize their actions could be motivated by something that has nothing to do with you.
5. PRAY FOR THEM
After the confrontation, take a moment to pray about it. First, ask God to help you deal with this person in a way that pleases God. Secondly, ask God to work in the heart of that difficult person. Praying for them also helps ensure that your heart does not become bitter towards them.