Christians: how do you all generally respond to someone who is blatantly rude to you, especially for no reason

Question

I have a bad temper and at times, it is hard to just let it go and "give it to God" because sometimes it seems as if these people are just "asking for it." Especially if it deals with something you have no control over...Thank you in advance for your responses..ALSO..thank you for the non-Christians who happen to respond to this question...all is welcome and taken into consideration.

well what happened was that I was putting gas in my vehicle and this man with a fuel tank was talking "crap" for me to move it along and my vehicle was having a bit of trouble starting and I tried to tell him and he kept yelling, it seemed like barking, and it UPSET me, I wanted to hit him, but I was with my parents and also, I dont want any trouble with the law, but goodness, he was out of line, he wouldnt listen to what I was saying, (explaining why i wasnt able to move forward).

I understand the responses from most of you who say to respond in a loving way,but I must admit, it is VERY DIFFICULT, especially, when it deals with something that is not your fault..and yes I suppose I could have just laughed at him or ignored him and I couldve, but I still struggle with this stupid bad temper, I hate it, please pray for me and this issue, those who can...Again, thank you all, (non-Christians and Christians, alike, I appreciate your time and thought in the answers..)

Answer 1

It really depends on what it is you're talking about.

Are you talking about this in a spiritual or religious way? I don't really see how a person's religion should have any affect on effective communication.

One of my favourite techniques is the "question behind the question".. what is the person really saying or asking for? where are they coming from? what do they see that you don't? Ask them to help you understand. Instead of argueing over details, go straight to the nutmeat of the issue. Ask a question:

"Is there anything I can do to have ____ done on time next time?"

"What can I do to help you ______"

Conflict is caused by a difference of perspective. Each person looks at life, at an issue, etc, differently. Understanding how the other person sees an issue can be a huge help in solving any conflict over the issue. You'll be able to see a middleground or perhaps explain your position in a way that makes better sense based on their perspective.

To be understood, first seek to understand.

That goes for understanding your own perspective and termper as well. Why do you hold your position? Why do you want to lash out instead of explaining yourself or learning the other persons side of the story?

Answer 2

Anyone who is that angry is going to destroy himself. All that anger is going to burn him up. He's probably going to have health problems in the future if he hasn't already had them. Studies have shown that carrying that kind of bitterness inside of you will eventually lead to health problems. People who have never been married have about a 55-60% chance of divorce. That's the divorce rate for 1st marraiges. If you've been married once, the divorce rate for a 2nd marriage goes up 10%. If you've been married twice, the divorce rate for a 3rd marraige goes up another 10%. WHY? You would think that the more times you've been married the more experience you've had with marraige and the better chances for success you would have. After all, practice makes perfect.
How many people failed in business 4 times and then became millionaires the 5th time around. Why doesn't this work in marraige? Because everytime you fail in a marraige you have a whole lot of anger and bitterness from that failed marraige that you have a hard time getting rid of and you just take it right into your next marraige and destroy that marraige.
Anger and bitterness doesn't do anyone any good. It just causes physical and emotional problems. Obviously, the guy at the gas station is a sad case. Why let him take half of his bitterness and transfer it to you so you now have anger and bitterness that's ruining your whole day. He's controlling you, even if you don't see him anymore. You'd be better to just feel sorry for the poor soul and just move on. As a christian, you need to develope a thicker skin. This is not a christian nation anymore. It's a post-christian nation rapidly becoming and anti-christian nation. There's a lot of hatred out there for christians. If they ridiculed Christ, they'll ridicule you. They not only ridiculed Him. They crucified Him. How did He respond? He prayed for them while He was on the cross....."Father, forgive them for they know not what they do".

Answer 3

You have to let it go. Some times "turning the other cheek" simply means "don't respond" to a rude person. Avoid confrontation at all costs. People will eventually get tired of dealing with someone that doesn't fight back and move on to some one else.

Answer 4

I am not a Christian but since you are taking all answers I will try my best. I try to ignore them. If it is a written something, like on an email or something, then I delete/throw away the letter. If it is in person I try to talk to the person. If talking is not possible, I will walk away. My favorite saying is "Don't argue with an idiot. Someone watching my not know the difference." I don't know who said it originally but I think it applies here.

Hugs

Answer 5

Practice biting your tongue....you'll eventually build up enough scar tissue that you won't feel the pain anymore...just kidding! But really, it is never easy to respond positively to someone who is rude to you, but if oyu are seeking Christian advice heregoes. Being a Christian means being a follower of Christ, this owuld be a good time for the ever popular WWJD? lol. Practice being forgiving, fake a smile and walk away, be slow to anger is what the Bible instructs us to do. Learn to pray for that person who offended you, You have Christ, nothing else matters, don't let others bring you down, strive to lift others up, don't let oyur own feeling be the focus but rather focus on how to serve other (That's what Jesus did) serving others includes those who are rude to you, show them them love of Christ. Being polite to someone who is rude to oyu is like pouring hot coals over their head...they are not expecting it and they will not know how to react, they may say "Hey there's something different about that person, I want to know what it is."

I know it's hard, but practice makes perfect...pray for strength to not react out of anger but to show the love of Christ, emerse yourself in God's word and carry it's message in oyur heart and mind, that will make doing the right thing easier.

Answer 6

Generally, Christians must always respond in love. That's the example Jesus set. He simply "walked away".

I must too. There are times that I feel it is not the best way, but it is. You prevent yourself from further trouble and further wrong things when you "walk away" and don't mind them. It seems hard but we must do our part of not minding their rudeness. We do our part and God will deal with them.

Answer 7

Let me give you a cuple of choices:

A) You can say,"who the f**k do you think you are to do this to me,"
B) Use your negative anger and focus it on something positive like exercise
C) supress your anger by praying then taking it out on the cat by kicking a field goal
D) Cry like a baby and ask for smpathy
E) Projecting the image that only people like them do that

p.s. I would go with A

Answer 8

It is easy to respond in love when you understand a few things. First, we do not wrestle with flesh. They are motivated by demonic forces. Two, they do not know this. Three, someday, God may give them revelation of their wrong doings and they may repent of their sins and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Answer 9

How you react/respond to anything is a choice. Doesn't matter how you view anyone else. They don't force you to become angry. You could just as easily choose to laugh at them.

Why do you let them get your goat? Everything in life is a test, how you respond determines your grade.

Remember, everything you do goes on your permanent record!!!

Answer 10

Why did you specify Christians? We are not perfect. We have just chosen to do our best to be as close to God as we can. There is so much peace in knowing you are created in God's image and can be forgiven for your sins. We Christians sin just like the rest of the world.