April 1, 2011

Part 5-Extra Grace Required-Jesus on Difficult People

Today... short & to the point to wrap up the topic... I know many may not have ever seen these entries and that is ok... I just hope that we will all take a look at how we deal with difficult people... I mean really folks... come on ... ya know we ALL HAVE THEM IN OUR LIVES!!!  So here it is...

The best strategy for dealing with difficult people is Christ's strategy.
As you can see, there is really only one effective behavior on this entire grid.  There is only one behavior that effectively moves a situation toward resolution.  In closing let me call your attention to Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:15-17 (NIV).  "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.  If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.  But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.  If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or tax collector."

Project truth.  Be proactive when someone sins against you.  Show him his fault.  Tell him about the impact of his actions or words.  Project grace.  If he refuses to listen, treat him like a pagan or tax collector.  Treat him as a person outside the family of Christ, as a potential Christian, and as a person who needs to know the love and forgiveness of Christ.

You can never go wrong with Christ-like behavior.






So friends... I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic...