As I think about what is happening in various areas of life, I find myself relating to parts of Abraham’s story in Genesis 12. I started thinking about Abraham’s self-protection we get glimpses into. Out of fear of what Abraham predicts could be possibly outcomes, he decides on a plan of action before even getting to Egypt. He feared they would want his wife, so he made a plan to prevent it. I see this as an act of self-protection.

It is so easy to fall into this same action day in a day out. We get to the place where we fear someone reaction. It begins with our thoughts. Thinking things like “I know they won’t agree with me,” “They will look judge me,” or “They won’t understand.” When those type of thoughts dwell within us and we don’t pull them down, we end up acting on them. We subconsciously figure out a way to force them to agree by our actions or through our words. Our thoughts and actions become justified within us.

It is so easy to want to throw our hands up and quit, especially in ministry, when you come in contact with certain personalities, or when you are forced to confront a hard situation. Ministry is messy because it is all about the people. It shouldn’t be about how much you make or how many people attend something you put together, but rather it is about who encounter Jesus.  This means you are working with the broken and hurting bringing Jesus to them.

Hurting people hurt other people. We are called to unity!

I find myself praying for certain people more because our personalities rub so wrong together.  Working together and trying to develop a friendship has its moments where we have to confront aggravations we may feel rise at times. It is so easy to get to the place where I feel like I can predict what this other person will say or do in response to a situation. I want to use the prediction I hold as justification that this position isn’t for me. But deep down I know whether this place is for me or not. Regardless if it is, God wants unity and not friction in our relationship even if I no longer hold a ministry position.

Unity is crucial in everyday life and relationships. Regardless if it is a coworker, an immediate family member, or someone you see occasionally. Resentment, grudges, and bitterness will take root within us when we leave areas of our heart undealt with. Confrontation is the only way to hit a situation head on and bring peace and unity. Agreeing to disagree is ok! The important step is communication and learning to talk. Do not leave assumptions or aggravations weighing heavy on your heart. Confrontation brings clarity to a situation and when done correctly, both sides have a weight lifted off of them.

Lord, I ask you to help us to see beyond a person’s actions and see the person. Help me to see them through your eyes! Show me when I start to make a mental plan of action because I know I will see them or interact with them out of self-protection. Lord, aide me in being the hands and feet of Jesus by first confronting what is lying inside of me.

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