God gives wisdom to those who ask. James 1:5
Dear friend,
Wow, sometimes I feel like I am surrounded by negativity. Our state now has over 13,000 hospitalized with Covid and over 4,000 new cases each day. I wear my mask every time I leave the house only to be met with two men at Lowes who ridiculed me and called me stupid. Job losses abound and many insist it is safe to reopen yet, restaurants are closing as fast as they are re-opening. Many insist it is safe to eat indoors without social distancing. Black lives matter marches on our streets are met with quite differing viewpoints also. So, I feel like I must be careful in my conversations. There does not seem to be a middle ground on these and other issues that is safe to discuss. So, how does a Christian respond with love to those with differing and /or offensive views.
First, humility is crucial, and your perspective is critical to handling the person as Jesus desires. Try not to view the person as a “negative person” but respect, pay attention to, and love them. Do not violate his dignity—no matter how aggravating he is or has been.
Next, it’s important to pray for the negative person in question. Also, pray for wisdom and for God to reveal to you what to do next and about how to proceed. Be aware that the best way to deal with a negative person may simply be to limit your contact with him, if possible. If they are family, it is still okay to reduce the amount of time you spend with them. It’s also important not to feel guilty about this, argue with them, or get drawn into their drama. This is your life. You have a right to your opinion. You have a God-given mandate to “Choose Life” (Deut. 30:19). You’ve got to accentuate the positive—eliminate the negative. Do it today. I wish you joy today and always.
Linda
Dear friend,
Wow, sometimes I feel like I am surrounded by negativity. Our state now has over 13,000 hospitalized with Covid and over 4,000 new cases each day. I wear my mask every time I leave the house only to be met with two men at Lowes who ridiculed me and called me stupid. Job losses abound and many insist it is safe to reopen yet, restaurants are closing as fast as they are re-opening. Many insist it is safe to eat indoors without social distancing. Black lives matter marches on our streets are met with quite differing viewpoints also. So, I feel like I must be careful in my conversations. There does not seem to be a middle ground on these and other issues that is safe to discuss. So, how does a Christian respond with love to those with differing and /or offensive views.
First, humility is crucial, and your perspective is critical to handling the person as Jesus desires. Try not to view the person as a “negative person” but respect, pay attention to, and love them. Do not violate his dignity—no matter how aggravating he is or has been.
Next, it’s important to pray for the negative person in question. Also, pray for wisdom and for God to reveal to you what to do next and about how to proceed. Be aware that the best way to deal with a negative person may simply be to limit your contact with him, if possible. If they are family, it is still okay to reduce the amount of time you spend with them. It’s also important not to feel guilty about this, argue with them, or get drawn into their drama. This is your life. You have a right to your opinion. You have a God-given mandate to “Choose Life” (Deut. 30:19). You’ve got to accentuate the positive—eliminate the negative. Do it today. I wish you joy today and always.
Linda
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