Focusing on the faults of those we love does not change them, however prayer can motivate God to work on them, When we focus on our own attitudes and behaviors to come in line with Christ, then how we respond to others will be Christlike, no matter what they are doing.
If the faults of others are overwhelming and damaging, and there is no resolution, but constant conflict, then it is good to remove ourselves while letting God do His work in us and in others.
We are called to live in peace, if this is not possible with someone, then letting go and letting God may be the best recourse.
Titus 3:10 "Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,"
2 Corinthians 13:5 "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-- unless indeed you fail the test?"
Often when we think someone else is being contentious, we may find that when we change our own behavior and attitudes to be in line with Christ's principles, we discover that we were the problem, more than those we judged.
Each person must pray, asking God to show us our own failings, to continue to be cleansed by Christ. If we are not moving forward because of stubbornness then we are moving backward, there is no such thing as standing still, we are always moving one way or the other.
Are we going forward or are we moving backward? Ask God!
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