As Christians, God’s Word tells us to be “balcony” people. Look at 1 Thessalonians 5:11 which says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (NIV)
Romans 14:19 says, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (NIV)
There are many, many more verses telling us in one way or another to be “balcony people.”
Sometimes, it’s hard. Sometimes, people just get the best of us. That’s ok, because, Holy Spirit will give us what we need to see the best in others, even when the best is hard to see.
Here’s a prayer I have to say often. And many months and weeks and even days, I have to repeat this prayer in order to be faithful to that mission of being a “balcony person.”
Lord, you know how hard it is to appreciate the people you have placed in our lives. You know, because you created each one of us, including those difficult people. Out of respect for your creativeness, please give me the ability to encourage, edify and love those difficult people. Thank you for caring and loving us so much that you are available to help us with these daily issues of our daily lives. Amen.
Gloria Boone is a Certified Life Coach with a passion to invest in the personal growth of women. You can find more about Gloria and her ministry at DestinyCoachingBlog.wordpress.com