'How can I avoid the annoyances
How can I avoid the annoyances which continually harass me?
The true victory is not found in escaping or evading trials — but in rightly meeting and enduring them.
The questions should not be, "How can I get out of these trials?
How can I get into a place where there shall be no irritations, nothing to try my temper, or put my patience to the test?
How can I avoid the annoyances which continually harass me? "
There is nothing noble in such living.
The soldier who flees when he smells the battle is no hero; he is a coward.
The questions should rather be: "How can I pass through these trying experiences — and not fail as a Christian? How can I endure these struggles — and not suffer defeat?
How can I live amid these provocations, these reproaches and testings of my temper — and yet live sweetly, not speaking harshly, bearing injuries meekly, returning gentle answers to insulting words?"
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14