While it would be nice if everyone around us had good intentions and believed in God’s hand in our lives, that isn’t always the case. However, we still need to persevere, following God’s will and spreading His light. Therefore, we need to come up with several ways to deal with those with ill intentions. That way, we can continue to praise and follow God, undeterred.
Here are 3 great ways to respond to those around you who have ill intentions:
- Answer in spirit, rather than from a place of ego. When confronted by those who refuse to see the glory of God and your purpose in His plan, respond to them from a pure place instead of from a place of ego. Jesus teaches us that we should always put our spirit first, and this applies to our interactions with others as well. So, whether others confront you with ill intentions for your heavenly path or question you with their disbelief, respond calmly in your spirit and stay steadfast in your humble praise of the Lord. Use these words to remind yourself of the importance of putting your spirit before your ego in your response to others: “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4 (ESV)
- Know that God calls you for a higher purpose. Instead of responding negatively to those who don’t believe in God’s will and the path He put you on, hold this knowledge in your heart: God has a higher calling on your life. When Jesus was tested by his brothers’ disbelief of his heavenly purpose, he remained calm. Jesus responded to his brothers by reminding them that his own life was extraordinarily important. He was helping God fulfill His plan, just as each of us, His followers, have a divine purpose as well. Knowing this, allow others’ ill intentions and disbelief to flow right past you. Instead, focus on praising Him and walking in His light. To inspire yourself when you need to stand firm in your knowledge of your heavenly purpose, hear these words: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)
- Enlighten them instead of cutting them out completely. Even though there are those who will confront both your belief in God’s will and His plan for your life, hesitate before completely dismissing them. Instead, follow Jesus’ example and show them the absolute power and grace of our Lord. When Jesus was faced with people who had ill intentions, he used the moment to teach them about the divine importance of spiritual health, and how it is more significant than anything in the physical world. In this way, he brought them into God’s light, rather than cutting them out completely. So when we are faced with others who have ill intentions, let us help them find God’s light by clinging to these words: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Today, turn your blues to blessings by responding to those with ill intentions the way Jesus teaches us.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)
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