A Nugget from New Life Network
(excerpts from Bob Gass Ministries)
Scripture for the Day (June 2, 2016)
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19, NIV)
The only way to avoid having to deal with difficult people—is to move to another planet. Human beings are a mixture of vices and virtues, and unless you understand that, you won’t be able to work or live with them successfully.
The story’s told of a monk who joined a monastery and took a vow of silence. Once a year he was invited to appear before the Abbot, and he was permitted to say one thing. After the first year when he was asked what he had to say, he replied, “The bed’s too hard!” At the end of the second year when he was asked, he responded, “The room’s too cold.” At the end of the third year he was asked the same question. He replied, “The food’s terrible. I quit.” At that point the Abbot smiled with relief and said, “Thank goodness! Because you’ve done nothing but complain since you got here!”
Think about it: Even if you joined a monastery you’d still have to deal with difficult people! So what can you do? Learn from the farmer. He plants, pulls weeds, and cultivates, knowing the harvest will eventually come if he patiently keeps doing the right things. It’s one of the reasons James writes, “Dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires” (James 1:19-20, NIV).
The Bible refers to a “root of bitterness” that can cause problems in your life as well as the lives of all the people around you. We have seen this happen in people that get hurt and offended by someone and they refuse to let it go. It becomes evident by everyone around them because the person that has become offended is now offended at everybody and every thing. No one is right except them. The bitterness has taken root.
If you have ever pulled weeds from a garden you quickly learn that the longer you allow the weeds to grow the deeper their roots go and the harder it is to pull those weeds up. That is why it is so important to forgive quickly! You can be held captive by unforgiveness and bitterness for the rest of your life.
Listen to the wisdom from above: Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; (Hebrews 12:14-15, NKJV)
Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. (Hebrews 12:14-15, The Message Bible)
There are no shortcuts! The only way to have a good relationship is to work at it, be patient, and forgive. When you do, God will bless those relationships.
And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25)
