Dear brothers and sisters;
These last few weeks I've been dealing with personalities from all sides, within and abroad, all at the same time! YIKES!
I feel while taking a step back and minding my own business, I can't win. Still, God's got this.
It's our human nature to be liked. It wouldn't make sense making it a mission not to be liked.
As men and women of God is to make Him first in our lives, seek first His Kingdom and God's direction for each of us. In the mix of that we meet new people, form bonds and friendships. This has benefits in our daily walk with Christ. We receive prayers, support, a listening ear, tough times to bear and good times to enjoy.
But we need to keep in mind the bonding, friendships and relationships require nurturing. If we're not careful, manipulation can set in. The kind of manipulation where a person attempts to mold you into being someone or why you're becoming someone other than yourself. Perhaps it's a deep insecurity on the other person (or yourself.)
Manipulation can lead to arguments and becoming defensive. Soon it becomes nonsensical with no solution. Don't allow room for a bruised ego.
Aside from God Almighty and as a Godly man or woman, we have to do a self check daily, therefore, no one knows you better than yourself.
If you are experiencing this in your life right now, communication is a good start instead of being dismissive. Don't force the other. If a friend is truly a friend then being honest should not be the problem. It's more important to stand firm in who you are in Christ. Being in Christ includes loving the other and letting them go.
Second, we can be there to listen and be supportive but we are not babysitters. Third, we do not take ownership of the other's problem that they may have in changing us. Fourth, be at peace with yourself. Peace in Christ allows us to think better.
Galatians 6:1-6, 1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load. 6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. - ESV
When Christ who loves us unconditionally makes us desirous to love others unconditionally, not perfectly, but in line to God's Agape Love. This helps eliminate manipulation. It allows letting go of the other. The security comes in knowing that the friendship and bond is intact.
In the meantime, there is work to be done for the Kingdom. Stay in prayer constantly and remain in the Word.
Other's thoughts would be appreciated.
God bless you all.
Bob
These last few weeks I've been dealing with personalities from all sides, within and abroad, all at the same time! YIKES!
I feel while taking a step back and minding my own business, I can't win. Still, God's got this.
It's our human nature to be liked. It wouldn't make sense making it a mission not to be liked.
As men and women of God is to make Him first in our lives, seek first His Kingdom and God's direction for each of us. In the mix of that we meet new people, form bonds and friendships. This has benefits in our daily walk with Christ. We receive prayers, support, a listening ear, tough times to bear and good times to enjoy.
But we need to keep in mind the bonding, friendships and relationships require nurturing. If we're not careful, manipulation can set in. The kind of manipulation where a person attempts to mold you into being someone or why you're becoming someone other than yourself. Perhaps it's a deep insecurity on the other person (or yourself.)
Manipulation can lead to arguments and becoming defensive. Soon it becomes nonsensical with no solution. Don't allow room for a bruised ego.
Aside from God Almighty and as a Godly man or woman, we have to do a self check daily, therefore, no one knows you better than yourself.
If you are experiencing this in your life right now, communication is a good start instead of being dismissive. Don't force the other. If a friend is truly a friend then being honest should not be the problem. It's more important to stand firm in who you are in Christ. Being in Christ includes loving the other and letting them go.
Second, we can be there to listen and be supportive but we are not babysitters. Third, we do not take ownership of the other's problem that they may have in changing us. Fourth, be at peace with yourself. Peace in Christ allows us to think better.
Galatians 6:1-6, 1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load. 6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. - ESV
When Christ who loves us unconditionally makes us desirous to love others unconditionally, not perfectly, but in line to God's Agape Love. This helps eliminate manipulation. It allows letting go of the other. The security comes in knowing that the friendship and bond is intact.
In the meantime, there is work to be done for the Kingdom. Stay in prayer constantly and remain in the Word.
Other's thoughts would be appreciated.
God bless you all.
Bob
