Bible Reading: Galatians 5:22-23
It can be difficult to understand why other people think and act the way they do. However, since God expects us to treat people the way we want to be treated, our job would be a whole lot easier if we
could better understand them. Here are some suggestions that might help:
* Treat each person as an individual. Don’t assume because one girl (or guy) acts a certain way that all girls (or guys) are that way. Each girl (and each guy) is unique. Respect that.
* Spend time with the person that you want to understand. Talk to him or her. Find out what he or she likes and dislikes. Study with him or her. Work with him or her. Get to know his or her family.
* If a problem pops up talk to your friend (not other people) about it. Work things out between you.
* Study your own behavior and attitudes. Learn how the things you say and do affect your friend. That will help you better understand your friend’s feelings and actions.
* The Holy Spirit filled you with his fruit when you accepted Christ. What is the fruit of the Spirit? Galatians 5:22 & 23 tell us: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Use that fruit in all of your relationships.
* Above all, pray. Ask God to give you the wisdom to understand people and the ability to put that wisdom and understanding into practice.
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to use the compassion and understanding you’ve given me to better understand people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.