“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind
of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians
5:22-23)
This man who asked my friend why I was visiting at the hospital when I wasn’t a family member came rushing past towards me and my car I had just backed in, into my friend’s driveway so we could unload the stuff I
had shopped for her. I always offered before visiting so to lighten her load on
her, caring alone for her aged mother and knowing how difficult it was for her
to go get supplies they needed as she couldn’t leave her mother alone. From the
tense moment of me not saying “Hi” verbally the last time to just motioning my
hand, I knew he was baffled why I didn’t acknowledge his presence as much at
that time. This time, I felt he was waiting for my reaction upon seeing him.
“Hi ‘T”,” I finally let out from my mouth. He said "hello"
back but continued walking in a fast pace up the sloping driveway. To my
contentment as I was the type not great with hiding feelings or emotions. I
would say things as they were, whether they would hurt or not.
That has been my struggle. To find honest or sincere
people. To feel genuine love and care from others. When they ask me questions,
either they are just curious or like to compare. If not, to make me well aware that
they are better than me. It’s not only from people I meet. People I used to
work with. Friends. Worst of all, these individuals can also come from my own
family. Or that of my husband’s.
Many times I cry out in prayers for the Lord to show me
ways in dealing with such people. But also starting with my own heart. To always probe my heart and cut what doesn't belong there... There are times that even if it hurts
too much, I have to cut a relationship. Not as an escape. But for my own health
and sanity. I have learned that those people who knowingly or unknowingly cause
pain don’t care and I am the one on the receiving end who gets wounded despite
me showing genuine love and care. I always seek the Lord’s guidance for I know
that whatever I do, it will only be effective if they are done with His grace. At
times, I have put boundaries either by staying away from such “toxic people”
and if I can't stay away from them, I just don’t give in to their manipulative ways. But what relief!!!
I always ask the Lord to help me deal with true love that
comes from Him, patience and how I need His grace!
How do you deal with
difficult people?
