Appropriate Biblical responses To Difficult People I Pet. 3:13-18
I Pet. 3:13-18 - Peter wrote, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."
Paul wrote, Do not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12:21)
Jesus said, In the world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) Jesus said, As the Father has sent me, so send I you. (John 20:21) Paul also wrote, We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. We give no offense in anything that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as servants of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love; by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2 Cor. 6:3-10)
Ask the Lord to help you use the following aspects of the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, to take the offensive against difficult peoples behavior, attitudes and perceptions:
* Whiners Do all things without complaining and disputing. That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Phil. 2:14,15)
* Martyrs After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. (I Pet. 5:10)
* Perfectionists Paul wrote, Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil 1:6)
* Arguers Paul wrote, And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient. In humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth. (2 Tim. 2:24,25)
* Dominators (Controllers) Paul wrote, Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (Rom. 11:33-36)
* Apathetics Paul wrote, Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. (Rom 12:9)
* Over-Reactors Paul wrote, Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for the good things in the sight of all men. (Rom. 12:17)
* Legalists Paul wrote, Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle, which all concern things which perish with the using according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. (Col. 2:20-23)
* Spiritualists Paul wrote, Let love be without hypocrisy. (Rom. 12:9)
* Humanists Paul wrote, Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we speak, not in words which mans wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (I Cor. 2:12,13)
* Traditionalists Mark wrote, For the Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus, Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands? Jesus answered and said, Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men& (Mark 7:5-7)
* Immature Paul wrote, Speaking the truth in love, let us grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ. (Eph. 4:15)
* Simpletons Paul wrote, Christ we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. (Col. 1:28,29)
* Cliquish Paul wrote, That their hearts may be encouraged being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ. (Col. 2:2)
* Bureaucrats Paul wrote, Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, patience; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. And beyond all things put on the bond of love which is the bond of perfection. (Col. 3:13,14)
* Low-Self-Image People Paul wrote, I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. (Phil. 4:13) Also David wrote, The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. The Lord delivers the soul of His servants and noen of those who take refuge in Him will be forsaken. (Psa.
* Tyrants Paul wrote, Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph. 4:31,32)
* Bullies Paul wrote, God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline. (2 Tim. 1:7)
* Sadists Paul wrote, So let no one judge you in food or in drink or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbath, which are a shadow of thigns to come, but the substance is of Christ. Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. And not holding fast to the Head (Christ) from who all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. (Col. 2:16-19)
* Time Bombs Paul wrote, Bear with one another and forgive one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. (Col. 3:13)
* Tacklers Paul wrote, But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. (Col. 3:8)
* Enviers Paul wrote, If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions. Useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. (I Tim. 6:3-6)
* Intimidators Mark wrote, Pilate answered them saying, Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews? For he knew that the chief priests had handed Christ over because of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them, Pilate answered and said to them again,What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews. So they cried out again, Crucify Him, (Mark 15:9-13)
* Hotheads Paul wrote, And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Col. 3:15)
* Revengers Paul wrote, Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give room for the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord. (Rom. 12:19)
* Snipers Paul wrote, Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Gal. 5:19-23)
* Fame Claimers Paul wrote, Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. (Gal. 5:26)
* Blockers Matthew wrote, And when the Pharisees saw Jesus sat in the house of the tax-collector, they said to his disciples, Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? When Jesus heard that, He said to them, Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. (Matt. 9:11,12)
* Hagglers Matthew wrote, Then the disciples of John came to Jesus saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not that? Jesus said to them, Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. (Matt. 9:14-16)
* Battering Rams But the Pharisees said, He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons. Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Matt. 9:9:34-38)
* Self - Believers Solomon wrote, He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who accepts counsel is able to walk wisely.?
* Zealots Matthew wrote, At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath. But He said to them, Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: How he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? (Matt. 12:1-4)
* Competitors Matthew wrote, But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your G od with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. (Matt. 22:33-38)
* Rule Benders Paul wrote, Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. For the fruit of Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth. Finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. (Eph. 5:6-10)
* Clansmen Paul wrote, But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me and every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. (Rom. 14:10-12)
* Commanders Paul wrote, We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (Rom. 15:1)
* Hypocrites Jesus said, Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering go in. Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore, you will receive greater condemnation.?
* Renegers Paul wrote, I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. With all lowliness and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith , one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in you all. (Eph. 4:1-4)
* Forked Tongues Jesus charged the disciples, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. And they reasoned among themselves saying, It is because we have no bread? But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up? They said to him, Twelve Then he said to them, How is it you do not understand? (Mark 8:15-20)
* Brain-pickers Jesus said, Which of you convicts me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears Gods words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God. (John 8:46,47)
* Back-stabbers Paul wrote, But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every mans conscience in the sight of God. (2 Cor. 4:2)
* Underminers Paul wrote, Those who are perishing have their minds blinded by the god of this age and so they do not believe. Therefore, the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God, is not able to illuminate their minds. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus sake&We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. (2 Cor. 4:4-10)
* Foxes Paul wrote, By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers and yet true. (2 Cor. 6:8)
* Bluffers Paul wrote, But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God; in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses. (2 Cor. 6:4)
* Instigators Paul wrote, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings. By purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love. By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and yet true. (2 Cor. 6:5-7)
* Connivers Paul wrote, O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. (2 Cor. 6:11)
* Camouflagers Paul wrote, We have renounced the hidden things of shame, not handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every mans conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. (2 Cor. 4:2,3)
* Slave Drivers Jude wrote, To execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain disadvantage. (Jude 1:15,16)
* Plotters Jude wrote, But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord jesus Christ. How they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ till eternal life.ยด (Jude 1:17-21)
* Imposers Hebrews says, Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord; looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled. (Heb. 12:14,15)
* Duck and Divers Hebrews says, Pursue peace& lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears. (Heb. 12:16,17)
* Operators Daniel wrote about such smooth talkers and manipulators, And by smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action.
* Bootlickers Solomon wrote, For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life, to keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress. (Prov. 6:23,24)
* Rumor Mongers Paul wrote, For I fear that when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults. Lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication and lewdness which they have practiced. (2 Cor. 12:20,21)
* Clods Matthew wrote, But Jesus called them to Himself and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. (Matt. 20:25-28)
* Ridiculers Matthew wrote, Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, Follow Me. So he arose and followed Him. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? When Jesus heard that, He said to them, Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do. I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matt. 9:9-13)
* Condescenders Mark wrote, But you say, If a man says to his father or mother, Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban that is a gift from God. And you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother. Making word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do&.There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. (Mark 7:11-15)
* Interrupters Matthew wrote, For by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned. Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered saying, Teacher, we want to see a sign from You. But He answered and said to them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. (Matt 12:38,39)
* Left-handed complimenters Mark wrote, Now as Jesus was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, Good teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? So Jesus said to him, Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is God. (Mark 10:17,18)
* Snoops Luke wrote, Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, This Man receives sinners and eats with them. So He spoke this parable to them saying, What man of you having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost! I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:1-7)
* Snippy Talkers Now the Pharisees were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God. The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached and everyone is pressing into it. (Luke 16:14-16)
* Defiers Luke wrote, When Jesus saw their faith, He said to him, Man, your sins are forgiven you. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason saying, Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Which is easier to say, Your sins are forgiven you or to say, Rise up and walk? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins He said to the man who was paralyzed, I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house. (Luke 5;23,24)
* Needlers Mark wrote, Then they sent to Jesus some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. When they had come, they said to Him, Teacher, we know that you are true, and are not not bothered by criticisms, for you do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? But Jesus, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it. So they brought it. And He said to them, Whose image and inscription is this? They said to Him, Caesars. And Jesus answered and said to them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar the things that are Caesars and to God the things that are Gods and they marveled at Him. (Mark 12:14-17)
* Brush-Offs Luke wrote, And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisees house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil. And stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisees who had invited him saw this, he spoke to himself saying, This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner. And Jesus answered and said to him, Simon, I have something to say to you, There was certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denari, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more? Simon answered and said, I suppose the one whom he forgave more. And He said to him, You have rightly judged. (Luke 7:38-42)
* Neglectors Luke wrote, The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank You that I am not like other men extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess. And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying God be merciful to me a sinner! I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 18:11-14)
* Yakitty-Yakkers Luke wrote, And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, This man receives sinners and eats with them. So He spoke this parable to them saying, What man of you having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it. (Luke 15:2,3)
* Impossibility Thinkers Jesus said, What is impossible with men is possible with God. All things are possible for him who believes. (Lk 18:27)
* Perpetually Tired Jesus said, Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt 11:28,29)
* Woe Is Me Thinkers John wrote , This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (I Jn. 4:10)
* Heavy Burdened Thinkers David wrote, Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psa. 55:22)
* Confused Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, but by Me. (Jn. 14:6) I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me. (John 10:14,27)
* Pressured and Tempters Thinkers John wrote, Love not the world or the things that are in the world. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and the boastful pride of life are not from the Father, but are from the world. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength and mind and your neighbor as yourself. (I John 2:15,16; Luke 10:27)
* Unable to Solve Problems James wrote, If any of you lacks wisdom, let Him ask of God who gives to all men generously and does withhold and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
* Insufficient Strength Paul wrote, My grace is sufficient for you for My power is perfected in your weakness. Most gladly will I boast of my weaknesses that the power of Christ may dwell in me, for when I weak then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:9,10)
* Not worth it thinkers Paul wrote, All things work together for good as long as we love God and are called according to His purposes. (Rom. 8:28)
* Cannot Forgive thinkers Jesus said, Unless you forgive your brother from the heart, neither will I forgive you forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. (Matt. 18:35;Mt 6:9-15)
* Cannot manage thinkers Paul wrote, My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)
* Fear the worst thinkers Paul wrote, God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline. (2 Tim. 1:7)
* Worried and Frustrated thinkers Peter wrote, Be sober, be vigilant, the devil roars around you like a roaring lion seeking whom He may devour. Cast all your care upon Him for he cares for you. (I Pet. 5:7,8)
* Those of little faith Jesus said, Oh you of little faith. Stop doubting and believe. (John 20:27)
* Stressed Out thinkers Jesus said, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
* Those who lack information Paul wrote, All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Me. (Col. 2:3)
* Lonely and feeling alienated Jesus said, Greater love has no one than this that a man lay down His life for His friends. You are my friends, if yo do what I command& I no longer call you servants& Instead, I have called you friends. (John 15:13-15)
* Feeling unaccomplished or worthless and useless Jesus said, Every branch in me that bears no fruit I prune it so that it will be even more fruitful. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you. This is to my Fathers glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:2,7)
* Feeling Like you can do more Jesus said, You have chosen me, but I have chosen you and appointed you that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask in the Fathers name I will give to you. (John 15:16)
* Feeling Like Quitting Jesus said, When He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. You shall receive power when the Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Smaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. (John 16:13; Acts 1:8)
* Uncomfortable Paul wrote, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. Who comforts us in All our afflictions so that we can comfort those who are afflicted with the comfort that we are comforted by God. (2 Cor. 1:3,4)
* Disbelieving of Miracles David wrote, Lord, I praise you because you perform miracles. You display Your power among the peoples. (Psa. 77:14)
* Feeling unforgiven Nehemiah wrote, I want to bless you with praise, Father because You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. (Neh. 9:17)
* Joyless Nehemiah wrote, The joy of the Lord is my strength. (Neh. 8:10)
* Questioning God Isaiah wrote, I praise and honor you, Father, because you are a God who loves to answer prayer and who begins to answer even as I pray. (Isa. 65:24)
* Limiting God thinkers Isaiah wrote, I praise and adore you, Lord, as the Holy One of Israel, my Redeemer, the God of all the earth. (Isa. 54:5)
* Bereft of Blessings David wrote, I give you praise, O Lord, because you have granted me eternal blessings and made me glad with the joy of your presence. (Psa. 21:6)
* Darkened thinkers David wrote, I praise you, Lord, because you are my light and my salvation (Psa. 27:1) and because you know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with You. (Dan. 2:22)
* Depressed or Despised or Weary David wrote, Father God, I praise you because you are a shield around me, O You are shield around me, O Lord. You bestow glory on me and lift my head when I weary or despised. (Psa. 3:3)
* Restricted or Oppressed David wrote, I will praise you because you are my help and my deliverer. (Psa. 70:5)
* Small view of God thinkers Paul wrote, All honor and praise be to You, my God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of Kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light. (I Tim. 6:15)
* Unreliable thinkers Jeremiah wrote, I praise you because your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies (Psa 36:5) and great is your faithfulness. (Lam 3:23)
* Over-Burdened Praise be to the Lord, to God my Savior, who daily bears my burdens. (Psa. 68:19)
* Guilty Nehemiah wrote, I want to bless you with praise, Father, because You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. (Neh. 9:17)
* Sick or needing healing Moses wrote, Father I praise you because you are the Lord who heals me. (Ex. 15:26)
* Anxious Paul wrote, I praise you with all my heart, Lord, because you are my Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord our Peace) the God of peace who will soon crush Satan under my feet. (Rom. 16:20)
* Defeated Paul wrote, Praise to You, my God, because you are my Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord my Banner) my victory, who always leads me in triumphal procession in Christ. (2 Cor. 2:14)
* Shepherdless David wrote, The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psa. 23)
* Short of supplies and provisions Paul wrote, I praise you today, Lord, as my Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord will Provide) who makes all grace abound to me and generously provides all I need. (2 Cor. 9:8)
* Lacking generosity Jesus said, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life. (John 3:16)
* Impersonal perception of God Matthew wrote, I praise you, God because You are a personal God, who gives me the honor of knowing You, even inviting me to feast at Your kingdoms table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Matt. 8:11)
* Unholy John wrote, Holy, holy, holy are You, Lord God almighty; who was and is and is to come. (Rev. 4:8)
* Shortsightedness Jude wrote, I give praise to you, Father, the only God and Savior. To you be the glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore. (Jude 25)
* Impatient or lacking perseverance Peter wrote, Father, I praise you because you are patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but wanting everyone to come to repentance. Thank you for your patience with me. (2 Pet. 3:9)
* Looking for a Promise-keeper Peter wrote, Seeing that His divine power has granted everything pertaining to life and godliness through through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises in order that we might become partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the world, but lust. (2 Pet. 1:3-5)
* Looking for a rock and refuge David wrote, I praise you Lord, for you are my mighty rock, my refuge. (Psa. 62:7)
* Looking for mercy You are a gracious and merciful God and I praise you for your great mercy. (Neh. 9:31)
* Looking for a faithful friend Moses wrote, Heavenly Father, I give you my adoration, because you are a faithful God, keeping your covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love You and keep your commands. (Deut 7:9)
* Looking for Justice Paul wrote, Lord, I magnify You, because You are just and you justify those ho have faith in Jesus Christ. (Rom. 3:26)
* Looking for Love John wrote, I praise you because you are a loving God, whose very nature is love. (I John 4:16)
* Looking for Eternal Links to History Isaiah wrote, I praise You, Lord as the Ancient of Days, the everlasting Father who lives forever and ever. (Isa. 9:6)
* Looking for a Mighty Advocate David wrote, O Lord God, Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord and your faithfulness surrounds you. (Psa. 89:8)
* Looking for the Only Truth and Source of Life Isaiah wrote, God, I praise you because you are the Lord, and there is no other. Apart from You there is no God. (Isa. 45:5)
* Looking for Your Creator and Originating Source of Every Good Thing Nehemiah wrote, Creator God, I praise you because You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry hosts, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything and the multitudes of heaven worship you. (Neh. 9:6)
* Looking for someone who answers prayer Isaiah wrote, I praise and honor you, Father, because you are a God who loves to answer prayer and who begins to answer even as I pray. (Isa. 65:24)
* Unwilling to apologize or ask forgiveness Jesus said, Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you. Leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly while you are on the way. First, be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. (Matt. 5:23-26)
* Unwilling to withstand criticism, false accusations or misunderstandings Jesus said, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matt. 5:11,12)
* Unwilling to humble oneself to God or People Peter wrote, Likewise you younger submit yourself to the elder and be clothed with humility. For God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and He will exalt you in the proper time. (I Pet. 5:5,6)
* Unwilling to love the unlovely Jesus said, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you. By this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (Jn 13:34,35)
* Unwilling to resist temptation Paul wrote, No temptation that has taken you, but such as is common to man. But God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond that which you are able. But will, with the temptation, also provide a way of escape that you may be able to bear it. (I Cor. 10:13)
* Unwilling to seek first His kingom and righteousness Jesus said, Therefore, do not worry saying, What shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? What shall we wear? For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. (Matt. 6:31-33)
* Worrying about the future - Jesus said, Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matt. 6:34)
* Tendency to criticize and judge others Jesus said, Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. (Matt. 7:1,2)
* Show-Offs Paul said, The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see your calling, brethren, htat not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. And the base things of the world and the thing things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are. That no one should boast except in the Lord. (2 Cor. 1:25-31)
* Inflators & One Upmanship & Know it Alls - Thinkers Paul wrote, For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you. For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christs sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless, being persecuted, we endure; Being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the scum of all things until now. I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. (I Cor. 4:7-14)
* Pulley Operators & Empire Builders & Prima Donnas Paul wrote, For when one says, I am of Paul and another I am of Apollos are you not carnal? Who then is Paul and who is Apollos but ministers through whom you believed as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who planst is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. (I Cor. 4:4-7)
* Slipshods Solomon wrote, The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is mans precious possession. (Prov. 12:27)
* Magnifiers Solomon wrote, Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. (Prov. 12:22,23)
* Stallers Psalm 119:60 says, I entreated your favor with all my heart, be merciful to me according to your word&I make haste to keep your word and did not delay to keep your commandments.?
* Over-Committers Psalm 119:59,64 says, I thought about my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies...I am a companion of all who fear you, and of those who keep your precepts. The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your statutes.?
* Chameleons Paul wrote, Be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your labors are not in vain in the Lord. (I Cor. 15:58)
* Perfectionists David wrote, The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (Psa. 19:7,8)
* Dawdlers Paul wrote, Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. (Phil. 3:12-14)
* Clock-watchers Matthew wrote of Jesus, But Jesus answered and said to him, Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then He allowed them. When He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And Suddenly a voice came from heaven saying, This is My beloved Son, to whom I am well pleased. (Matt. 3:16-18)
* Duds Now in the morning as he returned to the city, he felt hungry. And when Jesus saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing upon it but leaves. Then he said to the fig tree, Let no fruit grow on you from now till eternity. And immediately the fig tree withered at once. (Matt. 21:19)
* Rebels Paul wrote, And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. Among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us. Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 21-6)
* Comma-Counters Jesus said to the Pharisees, Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel. Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. (Matt. 23:24-26)
* Inflexibles Jesus said, Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead mens bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Matt. 23:27-28)
* Pig Heads Jesus said, Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous. And say, If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers guilt. Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city. That on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth&assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. (Matt 23:29-36)
* Killjoys Jesus said, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. See your house is desolate; For I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. (Matt. 23:37-39)
* Chapter and Versers Jesus said, And whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it. Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? Therefore, he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. And he who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by Him who sits on it. (Matt. 23:17-22)
* Stiff Necks Jesus said, Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law; justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. (Matt. 23:23)
* Silent Screw-Ups Peter wrote, They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. But he was rebuked for his iniquity; a dumb donkey speaking with a mans voice restrained the madness of the prophet. For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. For while they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. (2 Pet. 2:15-19)
* Unyielders - Paul wrote, For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to Him be the glory forever. Amen. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom. 12:1,2)
* Clingers Paul wrote, Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to Him be glory forever. Amen (Rom. 11:33-36)
* Icebergs Paul wrote, Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. (Rom. 12:10,11)
* Clams Paul wrote, Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. (Rom. 12:12)
* Evaders Paul wrote, Render therefore to all their due; taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Rom. 13:7)
* Skeptics Paul wrote, Love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (I Cor. 13:7,8)
* Withholders Paul wrote, Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. (Rom. 12:13)
* Glarer-starers Paul wrote, Put on the new man which was crerated according to God, in true righteousness and holiness&Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. (Eph. 4:24,26,27)
* Grinners Paul wrote, Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in their craftiness of deceitful scheming. But, speaking the truth in love, let us grow up in all things into Him who is the head Christ. (Eph. 4:13-15)
* Tongue tied Paul wrote, Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, putting away lying, Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. (Eph. 4:24,25)
* Guilt-ladlers Paul wrote, Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Eph. 4:29)
* Nitpickers Paul wrote, Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (Eph. 4:30)
* Hanging Judges Paul wrote, Paul wrote, Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me and every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve to do this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brothers way. (Rom. 14:10-13)
* Meat Grinders Paul wrote, And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Eph. 4:30)
* Squawkers Paul wrote, Do all things without complaining and disputing. That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you shine as lights in the world. Holding forth the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. (Phil. 2:14-16)
* Super-Sensitives - Paul wrote, Therefore, let us pursue the things which make for peace the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the worm of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat or drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith: for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Rom. 14:19-23)
* Wise-Crackers Paul wrote, We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me. (Rom. 15:1-3)
* Wet Blankets Paul wrote, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples& Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God. That I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:11-16)
* Blame-Shifters Jesus said, Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brothers eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, Let me remove the speck from your eye, and look a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye. (Matt. 7:1-5)
* Whiners Paul wrote, Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfectin. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever, you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Col. 3:12-17)
* Self-Beraters Paul wrote, Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each ones praise will come from God. (I Cor. 4:1-5)
* Martyrs Jesus said, And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending a sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, Come at once and sit down to eat? But will he not rather say to him, Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do. (Luke 17:7-10)
