When Someone Irritates You

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:31

Some of us excel in our careers, but act like a bull in a china shop when it comes to our relationships. Then we rationalize it by saying, ‘I didn’t mean any harm,’ or ‘That’s just my way.’ Sorry, God doesn’t let us off the hook that easily. When someone irritates you, God requires you to do two things: 1) Be the first to reach out. You may be right, but if you’re resentful, what good is it? Instead of nursing a grudge or waiting for the other person to apologize, be first to reach out. Someone else’s response neither validates nor invalidates your decision to forgive. Think about it: if you had only a year to live, would you give such things another second of your time? No! The Bible says, ‘Forgiving…as God…has forgiven you’ (Ephesians 4:32). God made the first move in forgiving us so we’d know how to do it for others. 2) Be understanding. When some of us argue our point, we bulldoze everybody and everything in our way. Purpose-driven, time-conscious, goal-oriented people can be guilty of this. The Bible says, ‘Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God…forgave you.’ Chances are the people who get under your skin aren’t trying to complicate your life; they’re struggling to cope with their own. Once you understand there’s no ill will intended, you begin to feel compassion for them. That’s how it is with God. ‘He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle’ (Isaiah 42:3). Today, ask Him to help you show His love towards those who irritate you.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to take time to understand others and to reach out to others, and not be in such a rush. In Jesus’ Name, Amen