Friday 29 September - They Have Been With Jesus - Transforming Lives Through His Presence

Introduction

How do you respond when some disagrees with you? Do you seek to be heard, or seek to understand? Do you get cross or do you respect the other person's point of view? Are you judgmental or can you see things from a different angle?

Peter and John - They Have Been With Jesus

Peter and John have followed Jesus across Galilee for over three years. They have been with Jesus. And it shows in the way they deal with the council of rulers and elders and teachers of religious law. Because they have been with Jesus they gently but clearly state how the crippled beggar had been healed. Because they have been with Jesus they are able to gently, with authority, refer to the Scriptures as the basis for their arguments. Because they have been with Jesus they are able to gently but without compromise call on their higher duty to obey God than to bend to the wishes of the council.

Spend Time with Jesus and You'll Be Gentler

If you have been with Jesus then he will help you to be more like him. As he does so, you'll become gentler. You'll find it easier to defuse conflict. You'll find it easier to disarm your critics. And above all, you will communicate his love.

Walk with Jesus today, and the next time you come into conflict with someone, they will walk away from you thinking, they have been with Jesus.

Think It Over

Think about the following:

Do you ever get angry and excuse yourself by saying that's just the way I am? Why do we think this learned trait is an inherent force?