Attitudes and Behaviors toward others: This is a Heart Issue

Proverbs 3:27-35 contains these important teachings from God: Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Go and come again, tomorrow I will give it'-- when you have it with you. Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you. Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, when no harm has been done to you. Do not envy the violent and do not choose any of their ways; for the perverse are an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor. The wise will inherit honor, but stubborn fools, disgrace. 1. Having lived almost eighty years, I can strongly assure anyone that these truths actually work in daily living. Each godly person should go out of one's way to help other people when one is able to do this. Do not wait for someone else to ask you. Voluntarily find ways to help other people by giving them money, a hug, an encouraging word, a brief card or letter, an e-mail message, and many other things. 2. When other people harm you, do not respond in a negative way. Give other people time, and you will find that God will take care of each situation. The Bible and elsewhere contains thousands of examples of people who were in important offices or apparently in control when not long later they collapsed, and exposed their devious hearts and ungodly behaviors. Call to mind the stunning words: "Be sure your sins will find you out." Numbers 32:23. 3. No human being is in control of life. ONLY GOD is in control. Thus, trust Yahweh fully and completely. In his own way and time, Yahweh will bless your life and punish the wicked. Share YOUR thoughts and experiences and shortcomings and successes and failures with others. Let me hear from YOU. John Willis