Being more Christ-like

 Have you ever had to deal with difficult people? Of course you have! What kind of question is that! We all have and will! Why can’t everyone get along? Why do some people like to be in the middle of every type of drama? Why does it have to be my way or no way attitudes? Why do some people think that they are better than others? WHY? I don’t have the answers to any of these questions. I wish I did. I do, however, find comfort in we don’t have to face them alone. Even Jesus faced difficult people. The scriptures teach us how to handle difficult people and how to be more Christ-like. Jesus is very specific in that area.  Matthew 5 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. These scriptures seem hard to understand when dealing with the difficult. Our fleshly nature wants to fight back, but Jesus tells us to love, to pray, and to do them good. We tend to let our pride get the best of us. James 1 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. We can read in the scriptures how Jesus stays calm and speaks with such eloquence. He doesn’t go into a defensive mode like we tend to do when confronted by a difficult person. He asks questions and seems concerned. He knows when to ignore the difficult. Men and Women are created in God’s image. It used to drive me crazy when my mother would smile and keep calm with someone that was being rude to her or she would just ignore them. I get it now! We are supposed to see the good in everyone, no matter their faults. We want the good seen in us don’t we? I do! If we would all worry about being more Christ-like than trying to make a mark in the world, we might all be able to get along better. Focus on being more Christ-like. Can it hurt? What better way to make a mark than to be known for such Christ-like characteristics. Read the scriptures where Jesus was faced with opposition in Mark 3, Matthew 9, Luke 12, or Luke 6 and draw inspiration in his teachings. Remember, people are watching you to see a reaction. How will you respond? Don’t let Satan win!