We’ve all had at least one. That person who comes to your Bible study (or home group or Sunday School class) who annoys us. You’re thinking of at least one now.
Their annoyance could be due to several factors. Perhaps they have trouble in social situations. They’re too blunt, or they have bad hygiene, or their jokes aren’t funny. Sometimes the problem is us, to be honest. Others may not be bothered, but this person’s personality rubs us the wrong way.
Christianity draws the broken, the marginalized, and the desperate. A message of hope and love and peace will do that for those who have been rejected by the world. And responding to the Good News brings with it an amazing community, a belonging many have never experienced, even in their own families. While this is God’s way, the broken and desperate can also be difficult for different reasons.
At the same time, Christianity contains the religious, the “scribes and Pharisees” of the world who quickly judge and dismiss others. People who seem far from love.
Thankfully, we have a Father who invited both sons to the party — both the prodigal from far away and the hard-hearted son working in the field. So should we.
Here are seven ways to pray for the annoying person in your Bible study.
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