For Loving Difficult People

For Loving Difficult People

TOXIC PEOPLE. It’s a phrase that we use to describe difficult folks. For seemingly valid reasons, we cut them off, ignore them, and block them. Some faith leaders even recommend walking away from these draining, crazy, joy-sucking drama magnets.

Truth be told, this perspective doesn’t line up with God’s Word; it lines up with our flesh (the part of us that’s fed up, exhausted, and annoyed). But Jesus said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do” (Mark 2:17).

Telling ourselves I’ll pray for them at a distance is how we make peace with our “fleshy side.” However, unless someone poses a real danger to us, we’re called to pray not only for them, but also with them. After all, we’re the hands and feet of Christ.

Galatians 6:9 urges, “Let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. . . . Let us work for the benefit of all” (MSG).

STRENGTH IN THE WORD

Pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf.

TODAY I DECLARE

I’m the hands and feet of Christ.

PRAYERFUL THOUGHTS

Dear Lord,

At times, I dread interacting with certain people. To be honest, they zap my joy with their negative energy. But you’ve called your people to reach the brokenhearted and hurting; you’ve called us to be your hands of compassion and your feet that bring Good News. So please give me the strength to be more like you. Give me a heart that earnestly loves and joyfully serves all people.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

KEEPSAKE

“Pray not only for them, but also with them.”