By Nancy Virden (c)2025

Consider your options:

1. This person is difficult; I can love them with the love of God and be patient.

2. This person is making life harder; I can confront them in love, using I statements, and say how their behavior feels to me.

3. This person is destroying my sense of self, my self-esteem, my ability to cope, and my mental or physical health.

With option #1, you recognize this person is annoying or tough to bear. Your life and livelihood are not threatened and you may see this as an opportunity to exercise your growth as a human being. If you follow Christ, you want to bless your “enemy” and pray for them as he taught.

In option #2 this person is interfering with your goals and/or commitments. Maybe they gossip and lie about you or take credit for work you finished. Out of respect for your duty to complete your obligations, you need to confront this issue face-to-face. Do not accuse, and do not raise your voice. Simply explain how this is a problem for you and walk away.

In option #3, you are dealing with an abuser. They gaslight you or are determined to make you feel small. Whether for their pride or ambition, their behavior is selfish. Walk Away. Even if it is temporary, give yourself the time to hear other points of view, to face the so-called right of anyone to destroy you and who God created you to be.

You choose your option based on what you know of the situation. Seek professional help, especially with situations as described in #s 2 and 3. Take all your troubles to the Lord in prayer and He will guide you into all truth.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 34:17-20
The righteous cry, and the Lord hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience, research, and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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