How can we avoid bothering others?

Romans 12:18Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

We are called to peace in our relationships. The first step in avoiding bothering others is to ask, “In what ways do I irritate them?” Getting an answer to this may require asking them. You may discover a habit or characteristic that you can change. If so, do so. If your faith or your personality bothers someone, the problem may be with them. In either case, God instructs you to do what you can on your side to promote harmony with others.

Galatians 5:25-26Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit will require addressing the shortcomings God brings to our attention. This passage mentions several things we may need to change: the way we see ourselves as better than we are, the way we needlessly irritate others, and the way we deal with envy. The Holy Spirit wants to lead us away from each of these bad character traits.

2 Thessalonians 3:11We hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business.

If we are in the habit of doing less than our share of work (or failing to even wonder what our share might be), we shouldn’t be surprised if others become irritated with us. This problem is exacerbated if we squander our free time by involving ourselves in everyone’s private affairs.

1 Thessalonians 4:11Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.

With the Holy Spirit’s help, we are to love others by being less concerned about the details of their private lives and more concerned about whatever good work God has given us.