What Will You Do With Difficult People?
Have you ever stopped to consider how often you are in a position to either be used by God for someone else’s benefit—or respond in a way that harms them?
It happens more often than we probably realize.
Whenever we encounter someone who irritates us, frustrates us, or simply feels very different from us, we have a choice to make. And if we think about our weekly schedules, there are probably plenty of opportunities!
There are two common ways we can respond to awkward or difficult relationships.
1. We may be tempted to write people off.
If someone doesn’t seem to benefit us, understand us, or satisfy us relationally, we may simply dismiss them. We can begin to see them as less important—or perhaps even less valuable—than we are.
In those moments, we may become the abuser, not necessarily through obvious cruelty, but through our attitudes, judgments, indifference, or refusal to engage.
2. We may turn the rejection inward.
Instead of dismissing the other person, we may assume that...
Are You Receiving The Word As It Really Is?
We are bombarded with input all day every day. Our minds can feel saturated, bloated and unable to absorb much more. However, it is critical that we remember that not all words are equal in value. Different messages carry varying levels of importance, and we must stay alert to weigh them well. If we aren’t paying attention we may miss some key communications, or we may give too much time or effort to things that don’t deserve it.
The apostle Paul commended the believers in Thessalonica for rightly receiving the Word of God when it was shared with them. He said they received it “Not as human words, but as it actually is, the Word of God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)  And, he described that the message came not just “With words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
It’s important that we make intentional time to read and ingest the Bible. It is not like any other writing in all history – it is “God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebukin...
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