During my time in a secular job those days, I had a boss who was perceived as challenging by my colleagues. They would frequently clash with him, but I never experienced any issues. When my colleagues asked me how I managed to get along with him, I realized that I had developed skills for handling difficult people. I believe that nobody is difficult.
Friend, nobody is difficult. This is one truth you should always bear in mind as you learn to develop thriving relationships with people (Proverbs 18:24). Your access and success in life are determined by your ability to relate with all kinds of people. Big doors and massive success are accessible with wisdom to deal with those behind the doors (Ecclesiastes 10:15).
Nobody is difficult. We may only have difficulty relating with them (Proverbs 29:25-27). Never conclude that anyone is difficult, or else you make it difficult or impossible for you to get along with them. If your mindset about people and relationships is wrong, it would affect your attitude and approach towards such (Proverbs 23:7). Those you call difficult may be the sweetest people you can ever meet.
Try to understand people rather than wanting them to understand you (Proverbs 2:11, 3:4). Everyone always leave clues to relating with them in what they say, do, and how they relate with others, including their body language. Don’t take sides emotionally when a seemingly difficult person is having a bad time relating to another person (Acts 15:36-40). Learn from the experience.
The ability to relate with all kinds of people is one of the proofs of maturity (Hebrews 13:1-2). This is what makes you a leader. Your leadership strength or capacity is tested by your ability to relate with diverse people. The higher you want to go in life and leadership, the more you need to know how to deal with all kinds of people (1 Timothy 4:12).
You need prayer, wisdom, and patience to relate well with people (James 3:13). With prayer, you engage the Holy Spirit to help work on their hearts as well as teach you how to relate better with them (Proverbs 21:1). When you’re patient, you’d soon realise that people are not always what them seem to be. Lack of patience would make you discard a relationship that has been ordained to bless you.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria