We have all heard the saying, "don't come for me". If it hasn't been said to us, we have said it to someone. Basically what I am saying to you is approach is everything. In order for us to reach people, we have to be mindful of how we approach people.
Have you ever had an experience when you genuinely were interested in what someone had to say, until they opened their mouth? Whether it was aggressive or whether it was just plain stupid, their approach turned you off. I have been there and done that.
We must always be mindful of how we approach situations. We all have that someone in our lives who genuinely annoys the life right out of us. The natural side of us wants to just let them hold it. No holds barred. But, can I tell you something. That does not please God.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs15:1, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Believe me, I know its hard at times to give a soft answer. But, if we want to make progress, not only in the situation but in pleasing God, this is one way to start. Just to be transparent, to the person who said, "you havent't always been that way", you are absolutely right. But let me also tell you because I wasn't that way, I paid the price.
There was a time in my life if you came for me, you were destined to get got. What does that mean? It means I was in a place where if you gave it to me, I gave it right back to you. I honestly did not care whose feelings got hurt in the process. But little did I know, or should I say care to know at that time, I would have to face it and embrace in order for me to change it.
I want you all to know that if we truly begin to apply the word of God to our lives, we will begin to see drastic changes; even in ourselves. For example, ever had a conversation with someone who does all of the talking. Like the words of a very old song, "you talk too much, you never shut up", that's the person I'm talking about. The person who simply doesn't listen. We have all met that person, or perhaps that person is us. Well, the Bible tells us in James 1:19, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" In other words, every now and then we should come up for air; stop talking and start listening.
As we consider our next approach, please allow me to share with you how important it is. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
Therefore, I challenge us all today. In the words of my closest special friend, let us make a point to become approached. Not just that, let us take the time to consider how we approach others. In other words, Bishop Daniel always say, "it doesn't cost a thing . . . to be nice."
Have you ever had an experience when you genuinely were interested in what someone had to say, until they opened their mouth? Whether it was aggressive or whether it was just plain stupid, their approach turned you off. I have been there and done that.
We must always be mindful of how we approach situations. We all have that someone in our lives who genuinely annoys the life right out of us. The natural side of us wants to just let them hold it. No holds barred. But, can I tell you something. That does not please God.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs15:1, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Believe me, I know its hard at times to give a soft answer. But, if we want to make progress, not only in the situation but in pleasing God, this is one way to start. Just to be transparent, to the person who said, "you havent't always been that way", you are absolutely right. But let me also tell you because I wasn't that way, I paid the price.
There was a time in my life if you came for me, you were destined to get got. What does that mean? It means I was in a place where if you gave it to me, I gave it right back to you. I honestly did not care whose feelings got hurt in the process. But little did I know, or should I say care to know at that time, I would have to face it and embrace in order for me to change it.
I want you all to know that if we truly begin to apply the word of God to our lives, we will begin to see drastic changes; even in ourselves. For example, ever had a conversation with someone who does all of the talking. Like the words of a very old song, "you talk too much, you never shut up", that's the person I'm talking about. The person who simply doesn't listen. We have all met that person, or perhaps that person is us. Well, the Bible tells us in James 1:19, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" In other words, every now and then we should come up for air; stop talking and start listening.
As we consider our next approach, please allow me to share with you how important it is. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
Therefore, I challenge us all today. In the words of my closest special friend, let us make a point to become approached. Not just that, let us take the time to consider how we approach others. In other words, Bishop Daniel always say, "it doesn't cost a thing . . . to be nice."