Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph. 5:21 NIV).

Each one of us possesses a unique personality, a unique set of talents, and a background that God desires to use to make our churches, homes, and each other better. 

But if you’re dealing with a difficult person, their foibles and faults can make it difficult to assess why the Lord allows such people in our lives. Why would God do such things?

Difficult people require Christlike patience. The loveless require Christ’s love. We require God’s character to express his care to those without his character. 

God expects us to confront error in ways that are boldly faithful and humbly submissive to his will. In this way, he builds aspects of our faith that we may not even want.

That’s why biblical submission to one another’s needs is not the suppression of gifts but full expression for mutual benefit. The one receiving the care and the one giving it grow in Christlikeness.

When we submit to one another, we are not backing away from challenges; we are using the heart and gifts of God to reflect his goodness and character into the life of someone he loves – including us!

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for saving me despite my flaws. As I reflect this grace boldly for your sake and humbly for others’ sake, help me to remember that difficult people are meant to bring out the grace in me that you poured into me.