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Getting Along Together

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:18

There are two absolute "musts" when it comes to getting along with one another: 1) You must be considerate! The only way to avoid "difficult" people is to leave the planet. Difficult people usually have unhealed emotional wounds, deep insecurities, irritating mannerisms, poor social skills, and dysfunctional backgrounds. They are EGR people - Extra Grace Required! Get to know where these people are coming from. Once you know what they've been through you'll be more understanding. Furthermore, just because you don't fear something, doesn't make their fear an invalid feeling. True fellowship happens when people know they can share their doubts and fears without being uncovered or ridiculed. 2) You must be humble! Pride builds walls, humility builds bridges; it's the oil that soothes relationships. How can you develop more of it? By admitting your own weaknesses, opening yourself to correction, being more patient, and helping others grow. Paul writes: "Live in harmony. Don't try to act important, enjoy the company of ordinary people...don't think you know it all!" (Romans 12:16). To the Christians in Philippi he wrote, "give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others" (Philippians 2:3-4). Humility is not thinking less of yourself - it's thinking of yourself less. It takes God's grace and our best efforts to get along together, and God's grace is available to all. Listen: "You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so do all you can to continue together in this way" (Ephesians 4:3).

Prayer
Heavenly Father help me be more patient and understand with the EGR people in my life – knowing that to some I am a EGR to them! Thank you for your grace, help me share that with others. In Jesus' Name, Amen