Learn to Respond the Right Way

Have you ever been tried and tested? I mean…..really tried? Like…they’re testing your “gansta”. Like….they want to see what you will allow. Like….they think because you are saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit that you’re not going to say or do anything… But deep down, you want to let it RIP! Matter of fact, you have let it RIP a lot of times, but in this season you’re actually trying to be better. You’re trying to do better. You know you’re saved, but are you delivered from certain ways?  

Let me tell you, I have been in situations where my “gangsta” was REALLY tested! Lol! There was so much I wanted to say and/or do, but the Holy Spirit would NOT let me. I did get a few things in that weren’t harsh, but it did let them know I’m NOT playing with these demons you’re bringing. I will cast every single one out in the name of JESUS! Haha…but I am for real. We really have to make sure we catch ourselves so that we aren’t responding the way we used to respond to crazy people who tend to come for you in different seasons! 

I want to give you a few keys that have helped me to evolve over the years. I have truly gotten better. I’m just being really transparent with you today. Back in the day, I was a fighter. I didn’t start fights, but I knew how to end them! As I matured in the Lord, God had to show me how to fight the right way! Have I mastered it? Nope! However, I have become a lot better. 

Let me give you a couple of things that helped me: 

1. I made up in my mind that I would NOT respond the way that I did in the past. I’m doing my best to do it God’s way. My way was not Holy Spirit approved. Lol! So, I gave myself no other options but to figure out how I could adjust. Tracey, how are you adjusting from how you used to respond to now? #Selah
2. Listen attentively to how the other person feels whether you agree or not. Let the other person speak first while you listen with your heart, eyes, and ears — without becoming defensive or angry.  
   
   Try to hear the hurt in the person’s voice and empathize. Don’t interrupt. Let the person complete his or her story. Understandably, this will be the most difficult of all the steps that I’m going to give you in the next couple of weeks! 
   
   To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. – Proverbs 18:13 
   
   Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. – Proverbs 29:20 
   
    There’s so much more I want to give you. I’ll be talking about this for the next couple of weeks. Check out my podcast below as I break down more. It’s going to bless you!