For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Rom. 8:13, 14)
Have you ever dealt with a difficult person who’s overpowering?
A friend requested a blog entry on what to do with difficult people. She says she deals with feeling overpowered by a co-worker who interprets facts differently, makes false accusations, and finds faults in her. What’s her best course of action?
We’ve all had difficult people in our lives. Yikes! Manipulation, lies, and negativity sometimes get the best of us. People with emotional wounds often shift the focus of discussion to others because of the fear of exposing their own inadequacies. Their strategy? A loud voice and overpowering manner. It often works. In fact, I know people who’ve made this into an art form. If it were a competition, I think my friend’s co-worker would take the trophy (most likely thumping my poor friend over the head with it).
The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). We need to guard our hearts so that our joy and peace are unwavering, even in the middle of overt negativity. In the face of accusations and bitterness we are called to forgive. Our flesh hates that part!
I once worked at a place where lies were fabricated about me and character assassination was an everyday event. I was unjustly threatened with a lawsuit and left hung out to dry. The humiliation and deceit were overwhelming. I felt overpowered. The accusation and lies were relentless.
Relentless was the word all right! I decided that I was going to dig in my heels and be just as stubborn. Relentless, I resolved to get to work early and pray over my co-workers’ desks. I prayed for them to know God and have an encounter with His love and grace. Relentless, I prayed for healing for their emotional wounds.
I prayed, “Holy Spirit, this is too hard for me, but You know where You’re going with this. I’ll follow you there.”
Friend, how does the Holy Spirit give counsel when we need it?
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Susan On April 5, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Yes, I too want to follow Him there.
Thanks!
Gail G On April 6, 2011 at 7:13 am
Your title and subject remind me of when my daughter was about 4, something frustrated her and she exclaimed, “I feel as mad as a cupcake!” Looking forward to your Part 2 cupcake analogy.
Lynn Hare On April 7, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Gail, I love it! Don’t our kids say the greatest things? I’m with her; I think we all have mad-as-a-cupcake days! Or is that daze?
Your Sister Kathy On April 7, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Hi Lynn. You should tell your friend about this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6f47WfJtCA
Love your blog.
-Kathy
Lynn Hare On April 9, 2011 at 7:12 pm
I like “Count it All Joy” by the Winans, too. I would like a consistent walk with the Lord like the words to that song! Thanks for sharing that song! I appreciate you so much!