People can be . . . challenging. But don’t forget you’re people too. Be mindful that the resentful attitudes and petty behaviors you encounter in others don’t poison you into becoming even more bitter than they are.
One of the worst toxins is believing people need to earn your approval before you’ll express love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness to them. Those are the freely given fruits of a growing relationship with God, not conditional rewards for behaving the way you want.
You can modify behavior through fears of rejection and punishment, but the only way to really change someone’s heart is to let go of your “I’ll love you if,” and to live your “I love you, period.”
Equip Your Spirit 