In this episode I’m going to remind you of the best way to deal with negative people. 

Hi, I’m Paul and you’re listening to If You Forget.

Sometimes it just isn’t possible to get along with someone. So if you have to deal with someone like that it’s important to remember that you can’t control someone’s words, attitude or their actions but you can control your response to them. So here are three ways to respond to negative people:

1. When you receive hateful words, respond with Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Then let it go and let God deal with it.

2. When you have to deal with bad attitudes, respond with Titus 3:2, “slander no one, be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle towards everyone.” Then let it go and let God deal with it.

3. When you’re hurt by someone’s actions, respond with Romans 12:17, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” Then let it go and let God deal with it.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  

We do that by doing what Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” 

You represent the living God to a dying world so desperate for grace, love and hope. God has shown these things to you through Jesus so that you could show them to others. 

Let me pray for you:

Father,

You tell us in Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on us, live at peace with everyone.”

So help us to let go of the things we can’t control and remind us that the same mercy, grace and love you’ve given to us is also available for the people we struggle with as well.

In Jesus’ name we pray, amen