Preacher01704's Weblog

By Reverend Paul N. Papas II

September 2, 2025

Difficult people are everywhere, and that’s just an unfortunate fact of life. Of course, we can’t just go around being difficult ourselves in response. So how do you handle someone who’s just determined to get on every nerve you have? (1)

“Some people are just labeled ‘difficult’ when they have different ideas or push back on systems that have long existed as-is,” stresses Dr. Briaane Markley. “So, while some people may be truly and persistently difficult in their interpersonal relationship styles, remember that different is not bad. To label someone ‘difficult’ because they challenge the status quo can also be harmful and dismissive.” (2)

Jesus and other leaders throughout history were different as they changed the course of history. How you handle the situation could lead to life changing history, look back in history or the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”. It may seem to only change a perspective.

The Bible teaches us to respond to difficult people with grace and humility, focusing on love and understanding rather than anger. Key verses include Ephesians 4:32, which encourages kindness and forgiveness, and Romans 12:9-21, which advises sincere love and patience in dealing with others.

The interactions with difficult people can be a teaching moment for us and them. Jesus expects us to be His Ambassadors, act as he would. Our speech is to be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that we may know what to answer each person (Colossians 4:6).

Perhaps we could learn patience through the situation. As we navigate through our lives, we often find ourselves face to face with particularly challenging individuals. In these moments, practicing patience can sometimes feel like a daunting task. However, the Bible reminds us that patience is a virtue and a fruit of the Spirit that we should cultivate in our interactions. By choosing to be patient, we position ourselves to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, allowing God’s spirit to guide us. Each time we encounter a difficult person, we have an opportunity to grow in patience, understanding that it’s a journey toward becoming more Christ-like.

As God’s Ambassadors, holy and dearly loved, we are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”  (Colossians 3:12)

Jesus did not say we could not be angry, He told us not to sin in our anger. He did cleanse the Temple of those who made it a Den of Thieves. A soft answer does turn away wrath, and a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1). It is better to deescalate the situation, promoting a calmer atmosphere permitting a peaceful resolution or an agreement to disagree without being disagreeable.

You might try the sandwich approach says AMBER ROSENBERG, PCC

Founder of Pacific Life Coach.  When talking to a difficult person. Start with a positive comment like letting them know you value the relationship, then go into the difficult part of the conversation. In the end, finish with another positive comment like thanking them for listening to you.

You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. Everyone feels relieved and in a better position after a good conversation.  

Your helps come from above.

Keep looking up.

Reverend Paul N. Papas II is a Pastoral Counselor with Narrow Path Ministries (MA and AZ) and Founder of the Family Renewal Center AZ) www.narrowpathministries.org  and www.familyrenewalcenteraz.org

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(1) https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Difficult-People

(2) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dealing-with-difficult-people