"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10)
When someone is different than you, a lot of times we avoid them because of their differences. What if their differences are something we disagree with? We should accept them anyway. Often, we confuse acceptance and approval but the two are not the same. Everyone wants to be accepted and if others don't feel that from us, how could we ever show them that Jesus Christ accepts them? Think of one person you know you will encounter today who is different from you and find ways to help them feel your acceptance of them.
I love being with people . . . most of the time. There is a special joy that resonates in our hearts when we are with people we enjoy. But unfortunately we are not always with those we like to be around. Sometimes people can be prickly, which may be why someone has 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 exit to be with people we like.
God loves everyone, who are we to treat people differently?
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. (NLT) -Romans 15:7
"My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?" (NLT) -James 2:1
When men attack you, you have a choice. You can get bitter or you can get better. You can allow the evil to affect you and get you down, or you can allow the attack to make you stronger. If you become bitter, then you've become just like the evil person who hates you. You become just like your enemy. But if you forgive you become just like Jesus.
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. (NLT) -Romans 12:15
Be patient, loving and understanding especially to your loved ones even if they deserve otherwise.
Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. (NLT) -Proverbs 18:2
How differently would our world look if it were run by humble people? Would war even exist? What would the workplace look like? Being meek in this world is very difficult to do, especially when it is not valued. But God values this characteristic and it is vital in His kingdom. He values it so much He would entrust the earth to those who are humble.
Beware of entitled thoughts. If you fall into the trap of thinking you deserve something, then how can you be grateful for what you have? Besides, aren't your much happier when you are blessed with something you weren't expecting? Falling into the pit of deserving thoughts does not lead to a path of happiness. Let your "deserving" thoughts be replaced with rooted, "thankful" thoughts.
“Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.” — Thomas Merton
Keep this in mind the next time someone's behavior bothers you. Be patient and understanding of those behaviors while honoring God for creating the awesome gifts they showcase.