Irritating People

Irritating People

People who say that small things don’t bother them have never slept in a room with a mosquito.

Dennis Rainey

When you come face-to-face with an annoying person, it’s usually a small comment, action, look, or attitude of theirs that brings out the worst in you. Just having that person breathe next to you gets on your nerves. You’re expecting her to realize the hurt you’re experiencing or the pain you’re in, but she only seems to care about herself, which compounds your frustration.

In these situations, pray first and beware of judging too quickly. Often, the aggravating person is in a difficult situation not visible to you, and she’s masking her grief with obnoxious behavior. Look for wisdom in My Word. Ask Me for self-control and for the wisdom to speak encouraging, considerate words. Listen more than you talk, and look for ways you can reach out in love. You don’t know the difficult person’s whole story yet—and you may be the first one to make a heart connection with this person who wants to change but doesn’t know where to begin. She may be reeling from the sting of injustice or the ache of loneliness. Ask Me how you can be My agent of healing—and expect results.

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Philippians 2:1-2, NIV