Handling Difficult People the Jesus Way

What does it mean to “take the high ground?”

It doesn’t mean letting people walk all over you. It means this: you choose to do what’s right—no matter what the other person does.

If they insult you, you respond with kindness. If they’re unloving, you choose love. If they hold onto resentment, you choose forgiveness. If they’re harsh, you stay gentle.

Why? Because your behavior isn’t dictated by theirs. We choose the Jesus way… the way that leads to inner peace.

You can’t control what people say about you.

You can’t control what people think about you.

But you have complete control over how you respond—and that choice matters.

When you choose grace, love, and kindness—even when it’s undeserved—it honors God. And Romans 12 gives us a powerful picture of what that looks like in real life.

“Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them” (Romans 12:14).

Maybe you’re thinking, I don’t have anyone persecuting me.

Okay—then think about it this way: Who in your life “makes you crazy”?

That coworker. That family member. That person who knows exactly how to push your buttons.

God’s Word says: Bless them. Pray for them.

Not tolerate them. Not avoid them. Not get even with them. Bless them.

Because real love isn’t loving people who are easy to love. Anyone can do that. Real love shows up when it’s hard. Real love chooses kindness when it’s undeserved.

You’re not backing down.

You’re not playing their games.

But you’re also not fighting fire with fire.

You’re choosing a better way. The Jesus way.

Romans 12:17–18 says, “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”

And then it raises the bar even higher: “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good” (Romans 12:21).

That’s the high ground.

Culture says, Hit back harder.

Jesus says, Respond with love.

Culture says, An eye for an eye.

Jesus says, Turn the other cheek.

So, make a decision ahead of time: “I will not live offended. I will not wait for an apology. I will choose to forgive quickly. I will not play the game—but I will also not give in.”

Instead, I will take the high ground. Every time.

And what happens when you live that way? You get the smile of God on your life.

Proverbs 16:7 says, “When a person’s ways please the Lord, he makes even their enemies to be at peace with them.”

That’s the kind of life worth pursuing.

As your pastor, I want that for you. I want your life to so reflect God’s heart that even the people who oppose you can’t deny the peace in you.

So today, choose the high ground. Not because it’s easy—but because it’s right.