Ilove being with people . . . most of the time. Everyone is happy to be with people they enjoy spending time with. But unfortunately we are not always with those we like to be around. Sometimes people can be prickly, which may be why someone once said, “The more I get to know people, the more I love my dog!” When we don’t find joy in a relationship, we tend to blame the other person; then we excuse ourselves as we move on to be with people we like.

The apostle Paul asks us to spend time with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact he calls all of us to be “of one [mind]”, to look out “for the interests of others” and to “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:2-5). Think about it. Jesus gave up His own rights and privileges for us; He chose to live as a servant and paid the ultimate sacrifice that He might bring us into a joyous relationship with Him (see Heb. 12:2). And He did all that in spite of our prickliness (see Rom. 5:8).

So next time you are with someone who is not easy to get along with, ask Jesus to help you find a way to show His love. In time, you might be surprised by how God can change your attitude about people.

The key to getting along with others is having the mind of Christ.

Author

Joe Stowell

Topics

Our Daily Bread