Tues. Dec. 15
"DO EVERYTHING WITHOUT COMPLAINING." (PHP 2:14 NIV)
STOP COMPLAINING AND START GAINING (5)
When your complaint is legitimate: (1) Talk to the person with whom you have the issue. When you're upset, your temptation will be to tell everybody. It feels right, justified, and even therapeutic. Well-meaning friends will encourage it, and even help publicize it. "You'll feel better when you've got it off your chest." God's Word condemns handling complaints that way! Do it, and you add insult to your own injury by disobeying God - and you can't expect Him to cooperate with you while you violate His Word. "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over" (Mt 18:15 NIV). Courage, humility and wisdom are required to face your offender privately, but it's God way. It contains the conflict, minimizes embarrassment and increases the likelihood of resolution and restoration, which is God's real concern. (2) Speak in love, not in words meant to hurt. Let your words be gracious, conciliatory and aimed at solution, not "one-upmanship." The Bible counsels: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will...grow up" (eph 4:15 NIV). Your growth in Christ in end; speaking truth in love is the means. Tell the offender your goal is not humiliating them or getting revenge, but resolving your differences, strengthening your relationship, and honoring God. Instead of making an adversary who'll oppose you, you'll be inviting an ally to join you in a mutually beneficial, God-glorifying mission!
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