iShineInMinistry

John 6:63 (NKJV)

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

Do you ever have those days when you feel taken advantage of or frustrated with fellow believers? You know they are in the flesh when they react to you and it keeps happening; however, you don't want to get in the same place they currently find themselves in...but you are annoyed. You talk to God in your flustered state knowing exactly what He will tell you and show you, but your bad mood just will not subside. How do you deal with these issues?

First thing is first- if you, like me, are capable of giving harsh words just to make someone feel bad or inadequate, DO NOT TALK...yet. We need to get our hearts and minds right first, so that our gentle redirect is just that, rather than a verbal throat punch. Pray, listen to some worship music, journal and adjust the attitude. We may just be a little more compassionate about the situation; however, do not become a doormat, that is not helping anyone when what they really need is to be exhorted in doing godly things and acting accordingly.

Next, set time aside and make sure there is no fatigue, hunger or other random hindrances that can easily make tempers flair. An environment that is not threatening (or too public) is the best way to go about this. Then, once face to face, begin the interaction with prayer so that the words of our mouths and meditations of our hearts are pure in motive and gracious. Finally...unleash the wrath! Just kidding- Kindly and lovingly discuss the situation with this person. If they are prone to making interruptions or being overly defensive, preface the conversation with the fact that your entire heart must be shared prior to them giving all the rebuttals, explanations and excuses for their behavior. If they do not concede to and continue to excuse all things, note that this issue may be much bigger than you and commit them to prayer...do NOT under any circumstances, act in the same manner, then you become a hypocrite, which makes your point completely invalid.

True godly friends want to grow in their walks and interpersonal relationships, so if you find that this creates a problem or chasm between you and your friend, keep praying! Our fleshy selves always want to be right and sometimes we will dig our heels in just to be the 'right' one. Do not be this person. Continue to be their friend, but make sure to use discernment when interacting, because you don't want to start feeling kind of fleshy often. Give it to The Lord, keep giving it to The Lord! Feeling kind of fleshy happens to us all at times, but remember we do not want to stay in that place!

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Sometimes friend do need to be corrected and exhorted in the ways of the Lord; make sure your heart is in the right place when doing so…