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          More than 60 years ago Dale Carnegie wrote a book that made him a very wealthy man. The tile of it is “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” It has since been published in every major language of the world and has sold multiplied millions of copies. The popularity of the book lies in the fact that it recognizes and deals with a very real human need – that is the  necessity to relate to other people.

         Of course, Dale Carnegie was not the first to recognize that need.  Jesus was dealing with the same subject more than nineteen centuries ago. The gospels are very practical on how to get along with people. Jesus knew better that anyone else that this can be a difficult thing to do.

        He had problems with His family. There was a time when they thought He had taken leave of His senses, and they tried to persuade Him to leave his work and come back home. He had problems with His   co-workers. Sometimes they argued among themselves as to who was the most important.  Eventually one of them betrayed Him: another denied Him; and all of them forsook Him.

      He had problems with the synagogue. This was the organized religion of His day. He tried to fit in an participate, but finally they branded Him a heretic and ostracized Him.

      All of this is not to say that Jesus was a misfit. It is simple to say that he knew the importance and understood the difficulty of interpersonal relationships.  They are not easy. Sometimes they are impossible. Jesus would never sacrifice principle in the interest of social tranquility, and neither should we. But He does give us some insight about how to get along with people.

       If someone has done you wrong, Jesus says we should go t them and talk about it, just between the two of you. Don’t brood about it, or complain to someone else about it, but go to the offending party and talk to him or her about it. Probably, you can resolve it right there, just between the two of you. Keep the lines of communication open.

      Jesus also said that if personal discussion does not resolve the difference, we should bring in a third party. What that means is that we should call in a counselor. We need to listen to an objective third party. It could be that you’re not entirely right about a matter. Maybe the problem is your attitude instead of your loved one’s actions. Don’t discount that possibility. You’ve got to be honest about yourself as well as honest with him or her, otherwise a real relationship is impossible.

      How do you get along with people? Work at it. Communicate with them openly and honestly. Leave the door always open.