I love being with people . . . most of the time. There is a special joy that resonates in our hearts when we are with people we enjoy. But unfortunately we are not always with those we like to be around. Sometimes people can be prickly, which may be why someone has said, The more I get to know people, the more I love my dog! When we dont find joy in a relationship, we tend to blame the other person; then we excuse ourselves as we exit to be with people we like.
The apostle Paul asks us to lovingly engage with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact, he calls all of us to be of one accord, to look out for the interests of others, and to let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:2-5). Think about it. Jesus gave up His own prerogatives and privileges for us; He chose to live as a servant and paid the ultimate sacrifice that He might bring us into a joy-filled relationship with Him (see Heb. 12:2). And He did all that in spite of our prickliness (see Rom. 5:8).
So next time you are with someone who is not easy to get along with, ask Jesus to help you find a way to extend His love. In time, you might be surprised by how God can change your attitude about people.
Read: Philippians 2:1-11
Good morning.... I sure needed to read THIS today!!! Thank you for faithfully posting ODB!
Polly
What this says to me is ... . 'We think' ... We do not have to conform to the wishes of others.
It is hard to admit our own pride, selfishness, and resistance to the ideas of others. We need each other. We all can grow and be inspired by others and what they say or do. It is what we all need, to consider our entrenched ideas, see if they have value and serve God. We learn as we go, do we not? Praise God!