"This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
~ John 13:35

It's time to be honest: we all have people in our lives that we don't particularly enjoy. Their personality or quirks might rub us the wrong way, or maybe we don't agree with their opinions or choices. They're not necessarily bad people, we just don't like being around them. And while we're being honest, we can also admit that we can be difficult to deal with ourselves. So what do we do, as Christians, when we don't like someone?

Pat & Fr. Nathan LaLiberte take on a heartfelt exploration of dealing with difficult people. They embrace the struggle of relatable hardships with family members, coworkers, and neighbors in a blend of faith, mental health, and the quest for constant charity and authentic joy. In drawing important distinctions between love and "liking" someone, and between kindness and "niceness", they highlight the Christian obligation to love challenging individuals. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on loving difficult people, and to embrace authenticity and patience in the process!

Episode 44 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Intro & This or That?
17:01: Defining "difficult people"
23:02: Christian love vs. "liking" someone
28:51: Examples of Jesus dealing with difficult people
39:42: Real life situations & choosing love
54:03: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What is one thing that stuck out to you from this episode?
2. Being careful to avoid gossip or detraction, when have you found it difficult to be around someone? What did you recognize about yourself in that situation?
3. What are the differences between liking someone and loving them? How does the Christian understanding of these ideas differ from the world's understanding?
4. When have you been a difficult person in someone else's life? How might reflecting on those times help you grow in patience and mercy toward others?
5. Who is someone that you find it difficult to relate to right now? In what tangible ways can you love them by choosing their good?

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Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.