When someone 'gets on your last nerve' because of some boorish behavior or tedious idiosyncrasy, how are you to respond? Hypersensitivity to such things can trigger a knee-jerk reaction that harkens back to our old nature.
Usually, these annoyances are not particularly egregious ... but they trigger us anyway.
The truth is ... we cannot control another person’s irritating comportment. But we can examine ourselves to see if our response to it lines up with God's sanctifying work ... The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
If you instinctively look down on the one who tries your patience, arrogance has gained a foothold. Scripture warns that ... Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
We are called to do that which runs contrary to our human nature ... Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another. (Colossians 3:12-13)
The Bible reveals that Christ's disciples tried to keep a prostitute, a blind man, and even children from 'annoying' Him. But Jesus never put social norms above loving the person in front of Him.
His invitation is without prejudice ... Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
We are to reflect that same nature. Being approachable and patient with those who seem so 'off-putting' is a sign of spiritual maturity.
If, according to Proverbs 10:12, 'love covers all offenses' ... surely it can cover 'annoyances'.
Lay down your indignant attitude and extend to others that which God has extended to you ... Grace.
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