(1 Thes 4:9) But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.
Having a problem with a person lately? My dad used to say, “Life is great, it’s just the people who make the problem!” One thing is for certain; it is essential to learn to get along with people.
I believe the Lord sometimes allows certain personalities to rub against us to smooth and polish us so that Christ can reflect from our lives. “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Pro 27:17). We might feel that our relationship skills are lacking, and we don’t know how to deal with problem people. We might be shy or rough around the edges. Or maybe communication was never properly exemplified in our families growing up, so we lack social skillfulness in dealing with difficult people. Should we avoid them? Confront them? Give them a “knuckle sandwich”? (Please, no!)
Isn’t it great to know that God teaches us how to love one another? He shows us how to treat people, love them, understand them, forgive them, help them, and to be gracious to them. This love is a fruit of the Spirit we already possess (Gal 5:22-23). We can read books on marriage or interpersonal relationships, and that might help, but we let’s remember that the Lord is the one who created people, and He shows us how to love (agape) one another.
Brethren be encouraged, God makes no mistakes who He links you up with. He will show you the way and give you all you need to not only “endure” but to “enjoy” that person in your life. “When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Pro 16:7).
Louie
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