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In life there will always be challenging interactions, many that are with strong willed and opinionated people. There have always been and will always be those who are opinionated, challenging, and trying to draw us into their arguments and causes.

In His days on earth Jesus had to deal with these types of folks - and most of the time they did not listen to Him.  He had little success in reaching them, so He would be wise in the use of His words.  As He demonstrated, the best perspective is to be sensitive to the Lord, and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

Rarely do I get in arguments, and typically I will pray and try to share the Word, or what the Lord has showed me and I do not try to directly confront bad actions or attitudes.  The exceptions are when they are speaking gossip or untruths about people.  At those times I will ask them to stop, and say that I am not interested in listening to their negative and critical reports about others.  When I do confront I check my own attitude and try to make sure I am not just reacting - because confronting these folks can be like grabbing a dog by the ears, which can result in getting bit.

One of my favorite verses on this subject is Proverbs 15:1 -  A soft answer turns away wrath (also translated; a gentle answer deflects anger).

Be Like Nehemiah

Yes, it can be difficult and annoying to deal with opinionated people, but we do not need to lower ourselves to their level - remember to keep to "the high road".  Be like Nehemiah, who did not let outbursts and accusations from others interrupt him from what he was doing.  His response was to say that he would not come down from the work he was doing. Nehemiah was up on the wall, doing what the Lord had called him to do.

This is a great example, to keep focused on what you are doing and not get dragged down into a negative situation.  If we stop and argue or enter into conflict, then all we do is demonstrate a bad example.  And this bad example can have far reaching implications, especially if both sides of the conflict are Christians, who are supposed to know about patience and understanding.  Instead, let's offer an alternative and demonstrate a positive way to act in a negative situation.

Jay Becker

Making a Difference