Dealing with unreasonable people is very hard to do. When people entertain thoughts or ideas that aren't based on good sense, we find it hard to reason with them. Other times, it's just so hard to deal with people who are uncooperative.
Most of the time, our response to such people is to leave them behind and not let them in. However, we know that as Christians, we still have to love them with the love of Christ. How do we deal with them in that kind of way?
Know Who You Are Dealing With
Friends, before we could know how to deal with certain kinds of people, we need to first know who we are dealing with. Not all people are unreasonable, and some of those who appear to be unreasonable are just misguided by wrong ideas and belief systems.
The Bible tells us that foolish people, however, think they are always right (see Proverbs 14:7-17). These kinds of people think that they are wiser than the wise, and will not accept any correction. This makes them unreasonable.
How To Deal With Them
Apparently, foolish people don't know that they are not acting in wisdom. We, however, know that they are. Since the Bible says that the strong must bear with the failings of the weak, we must be patient with them and exercise God's love on them. Here's how:
1. Apply The Matthew 18:15-17 Principle
Instead of talking about the unreasonable person to others, choose to talk to him directly in a loving and gracious manner. Talk to him privately. If he doesn't listen, bring a friend with you and talk to him again. If he doesn't listen still, bring the matter to the church, and talk to him again.
Hopefully you will win him over. But if he doesn't listen still, be content in knowing that at least you've done your part.
2. Pray For Them Before, During And After Talking To Them
The Holy Spirit will do wonderful works in the hearts of men if we ask Him humbly. Remember that our words are of no avail if the other party doesn't listen. The Holy Spirit's promptings, however, are more powerful than our rehearsed and carefully thought-out words.
3. Be Careful Not To Sin
Be careful to check your heart in the process of trying to reach out to convince an unreasonable person. Why? The frustration and the irritation that usually comes often drives a concerned person to do something wrong.
So if we are thinking that we are better than the unreasonable friend we are trying to reach out to, be careful – we might fall into sin while trying to help that person. (see Galatians 6:1-3; 1 Corinthians 10:12)
