YouVersion Logo
Search Icon

Victory Church

Talk About It_1  |  Difficult People

Talk About It_1 | Difficult People

10-29-17 Pastor Curt Seaburg

Locations & Times

Victory Church - Greenfield

Freedom Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA

Sunday 8:00 AM

Sunday 9:30 AM

Sunday 11:15 AM

Victory Church - Columbia

550 Linden St, Columbia, PA 17512, USA

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

Victory Church - Strasburg

114 W Franklin St, Strasburg, PA 17579, USA

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

Victory Church - Lititz

540 E Newport Rd, Lititz, PA 17543, USA

Sunday 9:00 AM

Sunday 10:45 AM

Victory Church - iCampus

Sunday 8:00 AM

“Heart for the House” Offering
December 17

Goal is $4.7MM

____________________
2 Timothy 2:23-26 NLT – “Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

(24) A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

(25) Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

(26) Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
Why Are People Difficult?

> We live in a fallen world.

> Devil stirs up issues in relationships.
You Always Have a Choice
1) Curse It

2) Nurse It

3) Reverse It
There is a Time to …
1) Listen.
When their motive is to help not hurt.

When the person can help.

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself…” Proverbs 15:31-32 NLT
2) Answer.
When the person is missing information that would change his perception.

When the person is open to change.

The Ephraimites asked Gideon, ‘Why have you treated us like this?...’ And they criticized him sharply. But he answered them…” Judges 8:1-2a
3) Dismiss.

When the person is characterized by being overly critical.

When this person emotionally unhealthy or wounded.

Jesus replied, ‘Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be rooted up, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind…they will both fall into a ditch.’ Matthew 15:13-14 NLT
How to Deal with Difficult People:
1) Never retaliate

1 Peter 3:9 NLT - “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing.”
2) Refuse to play the game

John 2:24 NLT - “But Jesus didn’t trust them, because He knew all about people.”
3) Release them

Matthew 5:44 NLT - “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
4) Realize we can’t please everyone, but we can please God

John 5:30 - “By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but Him Who sent me.”
5) Live redemptively

Ephesians 4:32 NLT - “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

For we speak as messengers who have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT

YouVersion uses cookies to personalize your experience. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy