At times it’s impossible to be at peace with certain people. Recognising this reality, the apostle Paul, in essence, said, ‘Do all that you can to try and make it happen.’ Besides the covenant relationship you have with your husband or wife and your responsibility for your children, if you’re wise, you will prayerfully evaluate your other relationships and know how much time you should invest in them. For example: if you have a close relative who is always argumentative or negative, don’t put yourself in a position where you have to interact with them on a regular basis. Only holidays together may be enough! The same is true for friends. Those who gossip, condemn others, compete with you, or engage in cutting remarks should rarely find you available – unless the Lord impresses you to spend some time with them to impart His Word. You are not commanded to spend time with people who disturb your peace. Solomon said, ‘Don’t…associate with hot-tempered people’ (Proverbs 22:24 NLT). Paul warned, ‘Watch out for people who cause divisions…Stay away from them’ (Romans 16:17 NLT). When you’re in the company of a stress-producing person, ask yourself these questions: ‘Will this situation grow patience within me if I endure it rather than leave? Why do this person’s actions stress me out? Is it because they are reflecting my own behaviour? Why am I continuing to interact with them?’ Prayer: ‘Father, I need you to help me discern when and how to be with stress-producing people so that your love continually shines through me.’

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.