Dealing Biblically with "Prickly People"

Most people are easy enough to get along with. They have their faults just like we have ours.

But there's a small percentage of people I'll call "prickly."

They're always causing relationship problems but blaming the problems on others. They may be chronic liars or simply negative, critical, stingy, ungrateful, or self-focused.

If we're not careful, they can suck the life out of us.

It would be great to simply avoid them, but often they're in our family, workplace, or church, so we can't. 

So here's how we can deal with them biblically:

1. Forgive them and move forward without keeping a list of their offenses (Colossians 3:13).

2. Be willing to discuss problems and attempt reconciliation even if it fails (Matthew 5:23-24). 

3. Realize that no matter how hard we try, some people will cut us off or refuse to talk through our problems (Romans 12:18).

4. Focus on the good people in our lives (Philippians 4:8).

If we do these things, we will avoid becoming prickly ourselves! In fact, prickly people can actually have an important function in our lives by refining and strengthening our character (Romans 8:28). 

They can teach us how to deal graciously with bossy, negative, and manipulative people without becoming bossy, negative, and manipulative ourselves. Romans 12 offers excellent advice in this area.

So consider difficult relationships a faith lesson, and do your best to please God even if you can't please others.

For more insights on this subject:

We Can't Please God and Refuse to Reconcile

Movin' On

When Boundaries are Bitter Barriers

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