How should we deal with those who annoy or bother us?

1 Corinthians 13:4-5,7Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. . . . Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

God expects us to love those who annoy or bother us. These people present occasional or consistent opportunities to ask ourselves how we are doing in developing the “not irritable” component of authentic love. Dealing with this particular issue involves both praying for help and practicing responses that demonstrate love despite the frustration we might be feeling in the moment.

Ephesians 4:32Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

We are commanded to be loving, kind, and forgiving toward one another. None of these qualities can function without the others. When you are tempted to feel annoyed by someone, consider how you want God to respond to your own weaknesses and failures.