One of the most frustrating things in relationships is that other people can be so dense sometimes. (Never us, of course – just them.) And have you noticed how stubborn they are? Almost impossible to change.

I know you know what I’m talking about. We’ve all been there. You can see someone’s simply got it wrong. You can see they’re headed down the wrong path. You can see the damage that it’s causing, or about to cause. And yet you can argue with them until you’re blue in the face, but they stubbornly refuse to listen. Why is that?

I saw this the other day – I don’t know who wrote it, but it’s a sobering response to that question: Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you’ll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others.

Ain’t that the truth?! So how do you respond to that difficult person then, in a godly way?

2 Timothy 2:24-26 As a servant of the Lord, you must not argue. You must be kind to everyone. You must be a good teacher, and you must be patient. You must gently teach those who don’t agree with you. Maybe God will let them change their hearts so that they can accept the truth. The devil has trapped them and now makes them do what he wants. But maybe they can wake up to see what is happening and free themselves from the devil’s trap.

The godly response is kindness, patience, gentleness, as we try to teach them … because that gives God something to work with. After all, only He can change them. Only He can set them free from the devil’s snare. Kindness, patience, gentleness.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.