Why Do I Rub People the Wrong Way?

Q: I have been trying to improve my interpersonal relationships. I seem to rub people the wrong way and have asked myself why. I try to be a good neighbor. I try to be a good friend, but people don’t respond favorably to me. What am I missing? — C.F.

A: We should thank God for the people in our lives. It is so easy to take other people for granted or to complain and become angry because they do not meet our every expectation. But we need to give thanks for those around us — our spouses, our children, our relatives, and our friends.

A woman once wrote a letter describing how fortunate she was to have a kind, considerate husband. She then wrote four pages listing all his faults! How many marriages and other relationships grow cold and eventually are shattered because of faultfinding.

Do you go out of your way to let others know you appreciate them and are thankful for them? The Christians in the city of Corinth were far from perfect, but the apostle Paul began his first Letter to them by thanking God for them (1 Corinthians 1:4). Thank God for others who touch your life.

The Bible is the Book of books and its pages are filled with examples of why and how relationships turn bad. It also tells us how to nurture friendship and overlook faults. God’s Word instructs us to pray for discernment and wisdom, and to respond to others with understanding and mercy. After all, this is what Christ has done for us and we are told to “follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.