CHOOSING TO ENJOY THE PEOPLE IN OUR LIFE
The Choice
Philippians 1:3-11
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV)
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Note: Difficult people can develop our character.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
Note: Every Person Has Value in God’s Eyes even that difficult person in your life.
KEYS TO ENJOYING THE PEOPLE IN MY LIFE
1. CHOOSE TO BE THANKFUL FOR THE GOOD IN PEOPLE.
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 (NIV)
Note: Remember the BEST forget the REST!
2. CHOOSE TO BE READY TO FORGIVE AND RESPOND WITH GRACE.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
3. CHOOSE TO RESPOND WITH PATIENCE AND GRACE.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
“… Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19 (NIV)
4. CHOOSE TO CELEBRATE THEIR UNIQUENESS.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Note: Recognize and Accept peoples flaws without compromising your convictions.
5. CHOOSE TO CREATE HEALTHY BIBLICAL BOUNDARIES IN YOUR LIFE.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Matthew 18:15 (NIV)
“Do all you can to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NLT)
6. CHOOSE TO BE PATIENT WITH THEIR PROGRESS.
“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Note: Love people from the HEART!
“… God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.” Romans 5:5 (GNT)
The secret of enjoying the people in my life is to be: FILLED WITH GOD’S LOVE!