Sanballat's Screed - Difficult People

Sanballat, first introduced to us in Scripture in the book of Nehemiah, was an enemy of the Jewish people who was keen on preventing the rebuilding of the temple. In chapter 2 of Nehemiah, we are told that amongst other things, Sanballat and his friends scorned the Israelites and used mockery in a vain attempt to frustrate their plans. Using this imagery, "Sanballat's Screed" intends to be short “Screwtape”-like letters from the perspective of Sanballat (of Nehemiah), imagining that he’s criticizing Grace Rancho. As you read these fictitious letters, see the ways in which the enemies of the church might use cunning speech and biting criticism to try to foil God's glorious work and take comfort in the fact that God has promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church.

Dear Grace Rancho,

I want to give you some advice for how to handle difficult people.

1. Avoid them. You don’t need all that negativity in your life. I’m pretty sure Jesus never spent time with hard-headed, slow-to-learn, sometimes annoying people...or did he? Never mind.

2. If difficult people hurt you, it’s usually wise to withdraw. Isolation is the key to healing.

3. Tell your friends about their character flaws. If you do this, everyone will know that they are the problem, not you. Plus, if you say it in the right tone (or better yet, phrase it as a prayer request!) you can appear spiritually mature in the process. Example: “Oh, would you pray for so-and-so, she’s just really been inconsiderate and insensitive lately.”

4. I think it helps to assume that difficult people are against you. That may help you take their issues more seriously.

5. Always remember that there’s a perfect church out there somewhere, so if you run into difficult people at this church, go ahead to the next one. It might be the perfect church.

For your good,

Sanballat