I had a long one, 4 holidays thanks to Hari Raya and National Day. Slept longer and I hope that I have renewed my strength for next week's battles. I also just Skype-d with M and K. So excited! Preview is on Tuesdays and yes, I'm nervous. I want to debut well with ACATTACK! and fulfill our dreams. Regardless of what challenges ahead, I believe we can do it.
Yesterday Dr.Robi came over and gave a powerful sermon. Here is my notes and credits goes to Dr. Robi Sonderegger.
How to deal with difficult people?
Before dealing with difficult people, we need to identify the top ten difficult people we know.
#1. Mr Negative
They can be people who are always complaining, and often pushing others down to elevate themselves. They might actually be the ones who are feeling in-secured about themselves.
Proverbs 12:23 "A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness".
Proverbs 26:4-5
"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him." "Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes".
#2. Mrs Pleaser
He or she can be always out there to help you and might have an ulterior motive.
And in return, you compliment him or her, thanking them for what they did for you. However when you forgotten to thank them, they can become nasty to you.
#3. Mr Opinionated
This person gives strong opinions to others.
Matthew 7:20-23
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
20 So you will know them by what they produce.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the person who does what my Father in heaven wants. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name? Didn’t we force out demons and do many miracles by the power and authority of your name?’ 23 Then I will tell them publicly, ‘I’ve never known you. Get away from me, you evil people.’
Matthew 7:20-23
Amplified Bible (AMP)
20 Therefore, you will [a]fully know them by their fruits.
21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name?
23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].
#4. Mrs Gossip
He or she is actively revealing embarrassing details about people without their knowledge. They might often say " I did not meant it" but when they said that they did not meant to do harm, harm has already been done.
Gossiping is like 'putting a curse' on people and somewhat related to witchcraft
Proverbs 11:12-13
Amplified Bible (AMP)
12 He who belittles and despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent.
13 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden.
Hence, if you have a habit of gossiping,I encourage you to quit and forsake this habit as it is harmful to others and especially to yourself. Just stop it.
The bible views 'gossiping' as a form of violence.
Proverbs 16:27
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
27 A worthless person plots trouble,
and his speech is like a burning fire.
and his speech is like a burning fire.
How do we respond?
Proverbs 25:9-10
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
9 Present your argument to your neighbor,
but do not reveal another person’s secret.
10 Otherwise, when he hears about it, he will humiliate you,
and his evil report about you will never disappear.
but do not reveal another person’s secret.
10 Otherwise, when he hears about it, he will humiliate you,
and his evil report about you will never disappear.
- Give your problems to God
#5. Mr Smooth and Slippery
He or she is everyone's friends. However he or she might have an ulterior motive.
"Only those who are close to you can betray you"
#6. Mrs Drama
She or he might be constantly telling you how catastrophic their situation might be as they find purpose in problems to solve. They often confide to you about their problems.
When you say "Let me", this allows the responsibility from their shoulders to be transfer to your own.
Be mindful that sometimes we are not capable to shouldering or resolving other people's problems, the best way is always found in themselves.
SWAYGDAI:
SO WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT
Throw them back this question and let them think the answers to their problems by themselves. It does not mean that you're leaving them to solve the problems by themselves but giving them time to reflect before asking you for some advice.
#7. Mr Antagonist
He or she is looking for some kind of reaction from you when they purposely argue with you. They delight in themselves when you show them that you have entered into 'Defense Mode'.
No matter how you try to explain, they have already prepared several options to use to argue their stand back.
Colossians 2:8
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
Beware of Requirements Invented by Humans
8 Be careful not to let anyone rob you of this faith through a shallow and misleading philosophy. Such a person follows human traditions and the world’s way of doing things rather than following Christ.
Colossians 2:8
The Message (MSG)
8-10 Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that’s not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.
Proverbs 15:1
The Message (MSG)
God Doesn’t Miss a Thing
15 A gentle response defuses anger,
but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.
but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.
Proverbs 10:12
The Message (MSG)
12 Hatred starts fights,
but love pulls a quilt over the bickering.
but love pulls a quilt over the bickering.
#9. Mr/Mrs. Unpredictable
James 1:19
21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
19 Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
#10. You and I
James 3:2
21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
2 For in many things we all offend. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body.
I pray that we learn to guard our tongue and be mindful of what we say about yourself, about people and about situations.
There is power in our tongue and our words can build up or break down a person's self-esteem or even their mindset.
Let us learn to be nice in our words and learn to embrace people's flaws and love with a genuine heart.
I missed out no.8 as I couldn't find it written in my notes, opps!
But really hope that you like this amazing sermon! Thank God!
Stay awesome ~ (:
