Sometimes, people aren't going to be so pleasant. In fact, sometimes people will be downright unpleasant. We always scramble to react in those moments of uncomfortable tension; what do I say? What do I do? How do I get back at this person? Well, the answer is, you don't. At the very least, you don't react in anger. There's no point. Reacting in anger only makes things worse— it lowers you to the level of the person who hurt you, which only makes the hurt twice as potent. The Bible gives the best advice on, well, everything, but in this instance the Bible gives the best advice on what to do when people aren't nice. In Romans Chapter 12, verses 17 through 21, Paul tells the Gentiles how to react to unpleasant people and tense situations. The scripture states:
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This is the best advice anyone could ever give, or receive, when it comes to dealing with unkind people. When people are unkind to you, your first instinct will be to get angry. Instead, try this: ask why they are acting this way toward you. What could be hurting them so deeply, that they feel the need to lash out against you? This isn't the easiest thing to do, but it's the right thing to do. The scripture states it pretty clearly; love your enemies, even when they don't "deserve" it. Honestly, none of us "deserve" the grace and forgiveness Jesus Christ gives us every single day. So, the least we can do for each other is live peacefully, offering love, grace and forgiveness to everyone we meet (even when they hurt us pretty badly). You'll find that this doesn't only make your heart feel lighter and free of any burden, but it makes the world a better place, in general. So why not forgive? Why not choose love over anger? It will set you free and release bursts of light into this otherwise dark world
