“A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.” Proverbs 12:16

“Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12

We all have to deal with difficult people in our lives at some time or another. This sermon series by Rick Warren called “You Make Me Crazy” has really had an impact on me. I am going to share some highlights with you over the next few days from the last sermon in this series. I hope it will encourage you as much as it has me as you deal with the difficult people in your life. I have been learning so much, but I still have a very long way to go.

Rick Warren says that when we deal with the “crazy makers” in our lives, we must

Refuse to be offended

Don’t take it personally. When people are rude, they are revealing themselves not you.

Spiritual maturity is largely determined by how I respond and treat those who mistreat me.

Pray for thick skin and a tender heart.

When people attack, consider the source. Look past their behavior and try to understand their pain.

Their behavior is always motivated by something.

Refusing to be offended is an act of true love.

Don’t wait for an apology to forgive them.

Resentment is like drinking poison hoping it will kill the other person.

~Rick Warren

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13

This devotional was adapted from “Keeping Crazymakers From Making You Crazy” from Rick Warren’s “You Make Me Crazy” sermon series. Check out the entire sermon by clicking on the link on my blog.

http://saddleback.com/watch/media/keeping-the-crazymakers-from-making-you-crazy