Woman of God.....Did you know that how you respond to difficult people could either lead them to Christ or draw them away from Christ?
In my younger days, I loved cats. My favorite cat was so sweet and loving. She would rub against me and sit in my lap. But one day I stepped on her tail. She literally turned from being a sweet little kitten to a demon! Her back arched up, her hair raised up, and her claws come out on all four paws! Needless to say, she was no longer my favorite pet anymore.
Ya'll, sometimes we act just like that cat when we feel like we have been hurt and attacked by others. We will even kick them off our "friend" list to avoid their company. But in 2 Timothy 2:22-26 Paul told Timothy, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth.” Paul gave Timothy wise instructions on how to maintain godly behavior WHILE in the mist of an ungodly situation.
Not only does Paul tell Timothy how to deal with difficult people, but he also gave him the “reason why” it’s important to exemplify godly behavior. He said, “Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.” You are probably saying to yourself "why I got to hear this right NOW!" LOL...here is the answer, "Cause God don't want you to remain in the attitude you are in right now." Read the passage and get over it already! This message hit me hard too! Paul told Timothy that exemplifying godly behavior with difficult folks could help lead someone to Christ. Isn’t that the reason why God saved us so that we can help lead someone else to Christ?
This Christian Journey is not a cake walk. We will go through rough times. We will deal with difficult folks. Sometimes we are the “difficult folks.” I honestly believe that the foundation of unity is faith in Christ. When we commit to making Christ our primary focus in everything that we do and say, in our actions and deeds; that is when we will begin to change for the better. Change will not happen overnight. It takes time, commitment and lots of patients. The world need to see Christians who are unified and sold-out for Christ. If we really want the world to become a better place, change must first start with the person in mirror.
Written by Sandra Kelley
July 15, 2021
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