Do you get along fairly well with others? Frankly, some make the task easy, some hard. Some go out of their way to be friendly, kind and easy-going with everyone, while others can’t seem to get along even with themselves.

The Bible gives guidelines about this! We indeed have a three-fold duty to God, neighbor, and self (see Matthew 22:37-39; note the words “God,” “neighbor,” and “self”).

To get along with others, consider:

TAKE HEED TO YOURSELF. The Bible says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Notice the emphasis on “possible” and “you.” Sometimes it is not possible to live peaceably, for there are those who are opposed to Christianity (consider the persecutions in the Book of Acts, and note 2 Timothy 3:12) and will not allow servants of God to “live peaceably.” But to the extent that we are able - “as much as lieth in you” - we ought to seek peace (1 Peter 3:11). We shouldn’t have deliberately cantankerous or implacable dispositions. With those attitudes, one will not get along with others or have peace with self either.

 

BE INTERESTED IN OTHERS. Genuine interest in the welfare and well being of others helps us get along with people. In 2 Corinthians 9:12-15, Paul commended the example of the Christians in Macedonia and their concern for “all men.” We can better get along with people by putting others interests above any selfish, self-centered concerns. “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4).

 

WATCH YOUR WORDS. The Bible tells us, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6). The truth of God must never - under any circumstances, any time, anywhere - be compromised. But there is much to be said for tact and wisdom. We need to speak words that are spiritual, wholesome, thoughtful, purposeful, fitting, and truthful. The Bible exhorts us in this way: “...speaking the truth in love…” (Ephesians 4:15). The admonition involves speaking, speaking the truth, and speaking the truth in love.

 

DON’T BE OVERSENSITIVE. Some have difficulty getting along with others because they are too sensitive, too “thin-skinned,” too easily offended. We must never forget as followers of Christ that we are soldiers who “endure hardness” (2 Timothy 2:3). The old saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” ought to apply especially to those who “Put on the whole armour of God…” (Ephesians 6:12). Never fail to stand because your “feelings got hurt.” Stand fast and be strong! (1 Corinthians 16:13).

People are constituted differently: some are serious-minded and some are light-hearted; some are soft-spoken while others tongues are sharp; some are very patient and others are impulsive; some are easy-going while others are quick-tempered. Regardless of personality traits and differences, may we always seek God’s will in our lives, actions, words, thoughts, and deeds.