2 Timothy 4:3-5 – 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. (New Living Translation)

How to lower my stress . . .

. . . In compromising situations

▸ Do the right thing

Proverbs 10:9 – People with integrity have firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. (New Living Translation)

▸ Trust God with the future

Proverbs 23:17-18 – 17 Don't envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. 18 You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed. (New Living Translation)

Isaiah 49:4 – “. . . I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” (New Living Translation)

. . . In conflicting situations

▸ Change my focus

Philippians 2:3-6 – 3 Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. 4 Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. 5 Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. (New Living Translation, 1st ed.)

▸ Watch ____________________________________________

Proverbs 18:20 – You will have to live with the consequences of everything you say. (Contemporary English Version)

Ephesians 4:29-32 – 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. ?(New Living Translation)/

. . . In competing situations

▸ Stop ______________________________

Galatians 6:4 – Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others. (Contemporary English Version)

▸ Remember _________________________________________

Romans 5:8 – But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (New Living Translation)

1 Peter 5:7 – Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (New Living Translation)