Victory247

“Therefore, as God’s dearly loved, clothe yourselves with…long suffering”   Colossians 3:12

Long suffering means “patient with people”. Some people just rub us the wrong way, then there are others that rub everybody the wrong way.

I got a flyer in the mail advertising a seminar titled, “Toxic People: Living and working with high-conflict individuals”. I had to chuckle as I thought through all those who popped into my head. Those who are always upset, complaining, angry at someone, always pointing out flaws that disgust them, appalled at every rule change, very opinionated, always getting shorted for no good reason, can’t be corrected yet always correcting…

Toxic people can be very frustrating to be around. They make me toxic. But God wants us to be long suffering; patient. We can go to Him with our frustrations and ask for His strength to not only put up with toxic people, but be an encouragement to them as well. These people come across like they are very strong, but they usually are filled with needs and insecurities that make them toxic.

Next time you encounter (or get verbally attacked by) a toxic person, choose to say a quick prayer for your reaction, and a prayer for them. Then watch God go to work over time.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, don’t let toxic and irritating  people ruin my day or make me toxic. Remind me to say a quick prayer and forgive them. Help me to recognize when I am getting toxic so that I can confess and get Your strength to refresh. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.