Chronic Conflict with Someone You Cannot Avoid

I accept that I cannot make this person change — I am only responsible for my own conduct

I resist letting this person's behavior set the temperature of my inner life

I look for what God might be forming in me through this difficulty rather than only asking when it will end

I choose one small act of basic kindness toward this person — not performance, just obedience

I set appropriate limits on what I will engage with, without cutting off or retaliating

I pray for this person regularly — it is hard to sustain bitterness toward someone you are genuinely praying for

I do not pretend the situation is fine when it is not — honesty before God about what this costs me

I check periodically whether I have moved from holding a limit to holding contempt

I remain open to the possibility of reconciliation even when it seems impossible

I seek counsel when the situation is affecting my health, my family, or my effectiveness

I bring my exhaustion and frustration to Jesus honestly rather than suppressing or numbing it

I document what is happening if there are professional or legal stakes