So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. —Romans 14:19
The biblical wisdom my dad imparted as I was growing up laid a rich foundation that has blessed my life in countless ways. One principle in particular has been helpful to me in dealing with difficult people and circumstances: I’m not responsible for what others do to me. I am responsible for my own reactions and responses to others.
We’re prone to try to blame our reactions on people or circumstances. However, as my dad emphasized, “You will not have to give account to God for what someone else does to you. You will only be held accountable for how you respond.”
At the end of the day, we must trust God to right the wrongs in the universe and to deal with others about their issues. Our responsibil- ity is to respond in faith and obedience to His Word, through the power of His Spirit. That’s what He will hold us accountable for. And by God’s grace you can respond in love and humility to the people and circumstances He brings into your life.
Make it Personal
Ask God to help you have Spirit-controlled responses to difficult people or circumstances in your life.