7 Bible verses to remember when dealing with people

There’s a real difference between dealing with people based on your own wisdom and dealing with them guided by the Word of God.

The difference is in the outcome. When you rely on your understanding, it can lead to arguments, misunderstandings, and hurt. But when you lean on the wisdom from the Bible, interactions often result in peace, love, and joy.

Remembering Bible verses when dealing with people can help you respond better to difficult situations. And believe me, there are certain verses that can guide you in this journey.

Here are some Bible verses to keep in mind when dealing with people.

1) Love your neighbor

When it comes to navigating relationships, there are few verses more impactful than the golden rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself”.

This verse, found in Leviticus 19:18 and reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 22:39, is central to how we interact with others.

The principle is simple but profound. It encourages us to treat people with the same kindness, respect, and consideration that we would want for ourselves.

Imagine how different our dealings with others would be if we always kept this verse in mind. From arguments to business deals, from family affairs to friendships – every interaction would be guided by love and understanding.

This verse invites us not just to act out of obligation, but out of genuine care for the well-being of others. So next time you’re unsure of how to handle a situation, remember this verse and let love guide your actions.

And remember, it’s not about being manipulative or self-serving. It’s about genuinely caring for others as you would care for yourself.

2) Do not judge

The verse “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” from Matthew 7:1 has personally transformed my approach to dealing with people.

I remember a situation where I was quick to form an opinion about a colleague at work. They were always late, missed deadlines, and seemed disinterested. It was easy for me to label them as irresponsible and lazy.

But one day, I remembered this verse and realized how judgmental I had been. So, instead of forming negative opinions, I decided to engage them in a conversation.

I found out that they were going through a difficult time in their personal life. They were not lazy or irresponsible; they were just overwhelmed and needed support.

This verse taught me not to rush to judgment but to approach others with understanding and empathy instead. It’s a reminder that everyone is fighting their own battles, some of which we may know nothing about.

3) Quick to listen, slow to speak

The verse from James 1:19, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” is a game-changer for communication.

Studies have shown that effective listening involves more than just hearing the words spoken by others. It also involves understanding those words in their context, interpreting body language, and responding thoughtfully.

This verse encourages us to develop these crucial skills. It nudges us towards patience and understanding, and away from impulsivity and anger.

In the heat of a conflict or during a meaningful discussion, remembering this verse can help you build bridges rather than walls. It’s about focusing on understanding first before seeking to be understood.

4) Treat others as you want to be treated

Luke 6:31, also known as the Golden Rule, says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” It’s a simple yet powerful guiding principle in dealing with people.

This verse, in essence, promotes empathy and fairness. If we treat others how we’d like to be treated, we’re less likely to act out of spite or malice. Instead, it encourages actions rooted in kindness, respect, and understanding.

It’s a reminder that everyone deserves the same level of respect and dignity that we desire for ourselves. Whether it’s at home, work or any social setting – applying this principle can change the dynamics of our relationships for the better.

Keep this verse in mind the next time you’re faced with a difficult decision or conflict with someone. It can help guide your actions and responses in a more positive direction.

5) Forgive as you’ve been forgiven

Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This verse holds a special place in my life.

There was a time when I held onto a grudge for years. It was against a friend who had wronged me. The bitterness seeped into other areas of my life, and I found myself constantly unhappy and in a state of unrest.

Then one day, I came across this verse. It was as if it spoke directly to me. I realized that just as I have been forgiven many times by God, I too should extend that grace to others.

It took time and prayer, but I reached out to that friend and forgave them. The weight lifted off my shoulders was immense.

This verse isn’t just about forgiving others; it’s about freeing ourselves from the chains of resentment and bitterness. It’s about showing the same grace we’ve been shown. It’s a reminder that forgiveness isn’t just an act for the person who wronged us, but also for our peace of mind.

6) Love is patient, love is kind

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is often referred to as the “Love Chapter” and for good reason. It provides a beautiful and detailed description of what love truly is. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

These verses serve as a blueprint for how we should treat others. They remind us that true love isn’t just about feelings, but about actions. It’s about being patient with people’s weaknesses, being kind even when it’s hard, not envying others’ successes, and not boasting about our own.

It’s a reminder that love isn’t self-seeking but selfless. It’s not quick to anger but quick to forgive.

When dealing with people, remembering these characteristics of love can guide us in our interactions. Whether it’s with family members, friends, co-workers or even strangers – bearing these verses in mind can help us cultivate more loving and meaningful relationships.

7) Do everything in love

1 Corinthians 16:14 succinctly sums up the essence of dealing with people: “Do everything in love.”

It’s a powerful verse that’s impactful in its simplicity. It reminds us that every interaction, every decision, and every response should be rooted in love.

Whether it’s a difficult conversation, a routine interaction, or a moment of conflict – doing it in love changes everything. It transforms our words, our actions, and our attitudes.

This verse isn’t just about loving actions but a loving heart. It’s about cultivating love as our default response.

When you let love guide your interactions, you’re not just impacting the people around you but also shaping your character. It’s the ultimate principle for dealing with people and it’s the most important thing to remember from these verses.

Final Reflection: It’s about love

At the heart of human interactions and relationships is a single, powerful force: love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This verse underscores the importance of love in everything we do.

In dealing with people, the Bible verses shared above consistently point towards one direction – love. Whether it’s about being patient and kind, treating others as we want to be treated, or doing everything in love, it all circles back to this central theme.

These Scripture references serve as a compass for navigating our interactions with people. They remind us that love isn’t just about feelings but about intentional actions. It’s about making the choice to act in love, even when it’s difficult.

As you go about your day and interact with people around you, remember these verses. Reflect on their message and let them guide your words, actions, and attitudes. Because at the end of the day, it all boils down to one simple yet profound commandment: Love.