Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Read Philippians 4:1-23.
If Christ is the supply for all our needs, that abundance must surely be put to use in our dealings with people. Did you know that 90 percent of Christian work (or any other work, for that matter) involves getting along amicably with others? What are some specific ways for improving human relations?
• Notice the other person. That is, see him; be aware that he is there. Joe Ankerberg, now with the Lord, at one time had the largest boy’s Sunday School class in the Chicago area. Someone asked, “What’s the secret of his tremendous fellowship of kids?” One of his own youngsters gave the answer: “Mr. Ankerberg will notice something about every one of us, even if it’s only one new shoelace.”
• Then, listen. Look behind the façade for the real source of this person’s confusion or pain. Every psychiatrist can differentiate between the presenting cause (the verbalized, spoken complaint) and the actual cause, which lies far deeper. Once someone has spoken, repeat to him, in your own words, what you think he has said. That will tell him you have really been listening.
• Finally, try to bring your listener into God’s presence. There are times when it is not your right to lead in prayer; to do so would be inappropriate. But on many occasions you can say, “Let’s just talk to the Lord about this.” Be brief. In thirty seconds you can commit the situation to God, and the person at your side will be aware that heaven has been brought into the equation
Small thought here. People may be difficult to get along with. But they will be less so if you notice them, listen to them, and get them into the Savior’s presence.
