Bible Verses About Difficult People

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

If it be possible — Paul acknowledges that it isn't always. But it is always our responsibility to try.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Four actions: love, bless, do good, pray. Not one — four. Jesus is thorough about this.

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

The difficult person is often afraid or in pain. A soft answer — not a weak one — changes the dynamic.

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.

Longsuffering — a word that means what it says. Some relationships require the long version of patience.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Coals of fire — a metaphor for shame and awakening. Kindness to a difficult person can change them. It is not naive. It is powerful.