Lord Teach Us Tolerance

Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God. Lord teach us tolerance when we are around people who are difficult. The Best Way to sum it up is to deal with people in love. Love the unsaved in such a way that they will want to know more about your God.

Just as there are difficult people in the world there are also difficult people in the church as well. You may even live with difficult people or have friends and relatives that are difficult people.  For the most dedicated Christians, it is sometimes difficult to be gentle with some folks.  Focus on Christ Jesus & receive a loving spirit.  As Christians, we are to be lights shining in a dark world.  Christians should behave like Christians even with difficult people; always pray before you speak, refrain from saying harsh words and ask God to place a guard over your mouth so that you will not offend anyone.  TRUE CHRISTIAN LOVE HELPS THOSE WHO CAN'T RETURN THE FAVOR.  Aren't you glad that God is helping you make it through today? 

Speak With Respect: Colossians 4:6; Disagreements and misunderstandings will happen in life, but this is not an excuse to disrespect others. Our speech should be kind but firm when necessary.

Sometimes You Need To Walk Away: David realized that was a fight between Saul and God.

David allowed God to fight on his behalf.

Their Argument May Not Be With You: 1 Samuel 8:7; Sometimes a person will take out their frustration and anger on you when you aren’t really the problem.

Examine Yourself:  Matthew 7:3-5

Remember You Are Accountable To God: Romans 14:10-13;You are accountable to God for your own actions. You cannot control what the other person does, but you can control how you respond.

Pray For Them: Matthew 5:44, 45
Paul was having to deal with problems in the church. But he starts the book by saying he is praying for them.

Sometimes You Must Agree To Disagree: Acts 15:37-40 

Realize that ignoring a problem does not make it go away. One of the greatest missionary evangelists of all time, the Apostle Paul, had a disagreement with his mentor Barnabas. 

Summary: Treat People With Love:Your love may bring conviction to the saved or unsaved to help them turn to God for forgiveness.