I think most of us have come to understand that our personal peace, development, and relationships are profoundly impacted and influenced by the people that we allow to be in our sacred space.

All of us can deal with the occasional interaction with a cranky clerk, a demanding driver, or a nosy neighbor.

This is truly a very short sampling of what we are asked to take on in life.

We likely do not enjoy these types of encounters but we can manage these misfits, if it is only for a very short season.

When it comes to very consuming and needy people we all have our stories and our experiences don’t we?

I know I have a classic repertoire of stories that I love to share because they are both hilarious and helpful. Because they are personal stories, they allow me to go deep into the details and also describe how each one shaped my life in a special way.

The truth is that we can learn something from everyone and everything. Good or bad, every encounter and experience is a tool in our lives.

Having said that, I want to hasten to say that it is those who come to us with an intent to help us and not hurt us that we tend to seek out most.

With this in mind, here is a position that each of us should desire to take on …

Let’s Be The Kind Of Person That Others Seek Out … Rather Than Steer Around

There is something very intentional about those who live in this manner.

I love these words from 1 Peter 4:8-10, ” Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”.

In this narrative, Peter is calling for expressions of sacrificial love, sincere forgiveness and the grace to share hospitality.

Seemingly, the intent to show care and compassion had been devoured. The stress of living in such troubled times had taken a heavy toll.

We know that Peter wrote this letter to a group of Christians scattered throughout the northern areas of Asia Minor, where he may have previously preached the gospel. He was writing to a group of people that probably included both Jews and Gentiles.

Peter was identifying how important it was to proclaim life and promote love, especially for those who live under pressure and threat or have little to no opportunity to prosper and thrive.

He wrote to inspire those who would seek to strengthen and serve others. He longed to see real help and healing come to those who felt detached from hope and distant from God.

Troubled times and challenging circumstances visit all of us. Thus, there is an enduring need for those who would desire, even dare to answer this call that we have been given.

I am reminded once again of these words spoken by a Nigerian evangelist that I met in Copenhagen who said, “There are only two kinds of people, those who create problems and those who solve them … so solve problems.”

Great word and it sets us up to be of great value to God and to others in every season and circumstance.

Let’s Be The Kind Of Person That Others Seek Out … Rather Than Steer Around

This is indeed a call that we need to prayerfully consider … now more than ever before!

Let’s say yes to this … quickly and absolutely!

-Terry & Ruthanne-

2021 THEME
In Every Chaotic, Confusing Situation, His Clarifying Word Will Always Be Spoken … Capture It!