Difficult People

Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31, NIV)

The other day I had to go into an apartment where a difficult tenant lived. I had to work on their air conditioning, and I would be in the apartment for about 2 hours. I had built myself up, prepared what I was going to do and say, how I was going to handle their attitude, how to deflect their words.

Sitting in my truck for a moment before starting the job, I realized that my attitude was wrong. I had prepared myself to protect myself.  Instead, I should be respectful and kind, no matter what they were like. 

So, I prayed, fixed my attitude, put off the anxiety, took off the idea that they were going to be difficult, and looked for an opportunity to be Jesus to someone. When I got to the apartment, the first thing that they said when they opened the door was, “I am so happy to see you!”

Prayer:
Lord, check my attitude, help me to take my guard down where I will be vulnerable, I will be open and receptive. Help me to put on You Lord, where I show grace and mercy. In Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!