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Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
God is turning the heat in the furnace up! Conflict among the Brethren is on the rise and is speaking through God’s word is how to handle it. If you are called to Christ, you are called to lead, and conflict resolution can be found within the Bible. Conflict and spiritual warfare is a part of the elevation. We cannot have a seat at the table without enemies present. This means the conflict in your life is a sign that you are on the verge of a breakthrough. The warfare may be so heavy, that you don’t feel you are succeeding, but I want to assure you within the word of God, that your season of elevation is here. But before you can reap the fruits of your labor by the way of your success, you will have to endure this season of warfare.
It’s simple to ignore someone online, by unfriending or blocking them. But what if it is a family member or friend? What if it is your boss or coworker or Spouse? You cannot simply block them out, and reacting to negativity will only cause a bigger exposition.
What God is saying this season is, it’s not time to react, but to respond. When you are in a situation where you have to say something, you don’t want to react to negativity with emotions, but an appropriate response is warranted. Your emotional intelligence needs to be on the level of your spiritual intelligence. Meaning when you hear or see things you don’t like, your emotional response to it needs to match the maturity Christ displayed in the word of God.
Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving];
James 1:19 AMP
The Bible says be slow to anger, and quick to listen. If you look beyond the delivery of others, you can find the root of the problem without internalizing the spirit (energy) it was spoken in. There will be times in your life where you will be forced to have to “swallow the meat and spit out the bone.” Let me give you a modern day example. If you had a boss who was demeaning and domineering in their approach and demanded you got your work done, do you jump up and defend yourself verbally against them calling them a bully and lose your job? 9 times out of 10 you take the attitude that was given to you, you perform the task at hand, and usually internalize how rude your boss is, but don’t openly express it. That is an instance where you cannot be your natural self but have to work well with people who don’t play well with others.
God wants us to adopt an attitude of overcoming the objective by meeting the demand, but not internalizing the negative energy others give to us. A part of our breakthrough will require positive thinking and confidence. If we internalize the energy and behaviors of others, how can we build ourselves in the things of Christ? It’s not about letting people run over you either, it’s more so about learning how to not let negativity hinder you in any way.
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
God wants us to stick with Him and His principles. He protects, provides, and avenges. We don’t have to react to anyone’s negativity what so ever, but in the times that we need to respond, we need to stay with God so we can pass our test, breakthrough, and elevate.
How do we respond to something we consider negative?
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
The Bible tells us to respond gently. I know that sounds challenging to do when you’re caught off guard, but God is testing you, so pass your test. The more you follow the word of God and stay calm when life is thrown at you. The more your
are able to see and hear God’s voice for instructions on how to maneuver in your situation. The wisdom of God is the only way to leave a conflicting situation with success. Isaiah 55:11 says, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. When God speaks it, it happens. We need to be in position to hear God when He speaks. Everyone is not a prophet of God, but the sheep know the shepherd’s voice and a stranger they shall not follow. You should be spirit-led, hearing the active voice of God.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:43-48
Not only does God want us to not crack under negative pressure and react ungodlily, but He also wants us to love and pray for our enemies (those who persecute us). When we pray for our enemies and do good to them we reap hot coals upon their heads. We go higher (elevate) because God has presented a footstool (enemy ) to take us higher. We learn self-control and get rewarded by God for remaining steadfast under trial. The Bible says that man (you) shall receive a crown of life.
Stay steadfast, remember His word, and run well.
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