Thought of the Day - difficult dealings

As humans we are all flawed.  
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23 (KJV)

Although we are all on a spiritual journey, our lives take different routes. Each route which we have chosen uniquely molds and develops us, hopefully towards the potential that God sees in us.

Human relationships can be difficult. While motivation of peoples action or reactions can vary, how we perceive and respond to them is our choice. Focusing on what you perceive as "the flaws of others" doesn't help either of you. When we feel that we have been treated badly it is easy to think that the person responsible is inconsiderate, unloving, and even un-Christian. Grace doesn't operate that way. It understands, accepts, forgives and leaves changing others up to God. Many times there are underlying circumstances which may not be immediately apparent. For example, when someone is dealing with physical or emotional distress, although irrelevant to the situation it can still influence how they respond or interact with you. Often the most difficult people to deal with are the ones who need a little more of your love and patience.

So how can you can show grace during difficult interactions? Try to look at it differently. Focus on the positive. If you think the person is stubborn, exercise grace and choose to see them as persistent and tenacious. If they're disorganised, you can choose to see that as a sign they are spontaneous, or creative, or the flexible type, or even over-extended. If they're nit-picking, choose to see that as a sign they are striving for detailed precision, or simply communicating with accuracy in an attempt for perfection. If they seem lazy, you can choose to see that as a sign they are laid-back, prioritising or avoiding unnecessary stress. The point is - when you try to see them as God created them to be, loving them becomes much easier.  

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Acknowledge to yourself how a persons actions or words effect you. Give thought to  what God's might be trying to work out in them. Use it as an opportunity to think about what God might be teaching you about yourself from the situation. Then step back, love and accept them.

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;" Romans 12:10 (KJV)

Each Sunday Mass begins with a reminder:  "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31(KJV)

Lord, 
Forgive me for my own sins.
Assist me to always deal compassionately with others. 
Grant me the patience and wisdom to understand what is happening 
and to be able to mature when faced with difficult interactions with others.  
Help me to become more loving and forgiving 
by being able to see others through the potential that You see within them. 
Keep me always mindful of the love and acceptance You offer me,
that I might be capable of sharing it with others.
I ask in Jesus name. 
Amen