How do we deal with difficult people? How do we make peace in a world of aggressive people? How do we keep from becoming abusive to abusers?

The first step we must make is to recognize we are not responsible for the other person or their abuse. We do not cause someone to abuse us. When someone acts in a wrong way they are 100% responsible for what they do.

The second reality is that we must carefully think through our response. We must not react but carefully choose what we say and do. Each word and each action should revlect our most sane, stable, and spiritual self.

The third reality is that as much as it is under our control we should strive to be at peace with every person. While setting proper boundaries we should strive to find resolutions to conflict. Our aim should not be “justice” but harmony.

We will always have to deal with difficult and abusive people. There will always be people who hurt us. But we can limit that pain by being peace makers. By having realistic expectations and striving for self control we can maximize our influence for good and limit the evil such people can cause.