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Good morning all.\u00a0 Where did the weekend go?\u00a0 We really need to cherish every moment because time keeps moving along. We need to make the most of every minute, create positive memories, make a positive impact on others, and spend time with friends and family.\u00a0 One obstacle to this task is encountering people that seem to want to derail us.\u00a0 We can assume their motives are disruptive or we can assume their motives have a positive intent. When we assume negative, we will receive more of it, when we assume positive, we will also receive more of it.\u00a0 This is our choice.\u00a0 Most people want things to be better. They may have a totally different perspective than us, but they truly want things to be better.\u00a0 There are those who seek the negative, but we have the opportunity to minimize their impact on our lives.\u00a0 By not sinking to their level, or encouraging their behavior, we can model Christ instead and work towards turning negativity into positivity!\u00a0 We can listen to their message, not with judgement or dispute, and then share our perspectives and can even nudge them to the truth. We may not change their mind, but we can continue to model Christ, and eventually they either will stop bringing negativity to us or will change their tune!\u00a0 We must be on guard that the negative all around us, does not invade ourselves!\u00a0 We cannot fall to criticism, or negativity.\u00a0 We need to dig deep and make sure our comments and actions reflect the positivity and love of Christ.\u00a0 Take a look at your actions this past week.\u00a0 Were they all positive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Decide to trust that other members are being fair, honest, and concerned for the well-being of our church. Set aside your own judgments and preconceived notions. Surrender the urge to criticize and judge \u2013 it doesn\u2019t help. Graciously give people the benefit of the doubt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMost important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.\u201d <\/em><\/strong>(1 Peter 4: 8)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c<\/em>Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others.\u201d <\/em><\/strong>(Matthew 7: 1)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c<\/em>Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.\u201d <\/em><\/strong>(1 Corinthians 13: 4 \u2013 7)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In my reading this week, this was specifically suggested: \u201c\u2026along with those who call on the Lord\u00a0out of a pure heart.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a023\u00a0<\/sup>Don\u2019t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.\u00a024\u00a0<\/sup>And the Lord\u2019s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.\u00a025\u00a0<\/sup>Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,\u00a026\u00a0<\/sup>and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,\u00a0who has taken them captive to do his will.\u201d<\/em><\/strong> (2 Timothy 2:22-26 <\/strong>)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideas for Action: <\/strong>Take a \u201ccriticism inventory.\u201d Just how critical are you, really? Ask someone you love and trust to tell you how<\/p>\n\n\n\n you\u2019re doing in this area. Try a 24-hour fast from all forms of criticism. No complaining or criticism for an entire day.\u00a0 Assume positivity from others, and work to be positive yourself in all that you do and say! How about when someone criticizes you?\u00a0 Click on the video below to hear more about dealing with criticism against ourselves.\u00a0 You have the choice to understand it negatively or positively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n