Getting along with difficult companions

Getting along with difficult companions

It's inevitable. You're not going to be best friends with every one of your companions. And that's totally fine! No two people are the same, we are each unique children of God with different backgrounds, opinions, tastes, and ideas! 

 

There will be companions that you will like and adore and with whom you will develop a long and lasting friendship. There will be others that are a little harder to get along with as well. However, it is expected that you love each of them. So prepare for this now! But how?

 

Matthew 22:36-40

36. Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38. This is the first and great commandment.

39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

 

We need to remember to always love our Heavenly Father first and foremost. This entails loving His plan and all that He has created, including His children. 

I know it's simple and probably redundant, but it works and it's harder than it seems!

 

Pray for charity! Pray for patience! Pray to see them as our Heavenly Father sees them!

 

It's really easy to see imperfections in someone, especially when you aren't exactly getting along. But remember that we are all imperfect, and that we probably share many of the same flaws and weaknesses. It takes quite a lot of humility, but you CAN do it.

 

Remember also that you have put with this companion for reason. Your mission president prays about each companionship and will be inspired. Clearly you are meant to accomplish something with this missionary. Maybe it's to help a certain investigator or member. Maybe it's to simply to learn something from them, or they need to learn something from you. Pray to find out why you've been put together and then go forth and serve. Focus on your missionary purpose and love it. 

 

I could go on and on about this subject, but let me just sum it up for you:

  • Pray for them (with real intent)
  • Serve them (willingly and lovingly)
  • Stop judging them (Matthew 7:1-5)
  • Pray to see them as Heavenly Father does
  • Communicate with respect (Preach My Gospel Ch. 8-Weekly Planning Session-Companionship Inventory)

 

I've heard so many stories of companions that didn't get along with each other but then became not only strong companionships but also best friends. I know that doing these things WORK and will make your mission experience even better!