Attitudes/Answers with Olen Baker

A bad habit can be what causes pain and suffering.  It might not be alcohol, tobacco, or food.  The power of a habit, either good or bad, will shape who we are and determine our future,  God has the power to help us move to good habits that align with his purpose for our lives.

What makes bad habits hard to break is they are often welcomes, enjoyed and even believed to be beneficial.  Bad habits have power over you.  God has the power to help you remove and replace those with good habits that align with his wish for our lives.

Nurturing, not an easy task.  It provides reassurance in situations that appear hopeless.  It rises above anger and revenge.  Do you have a tough time nurturing someone else?  Listen and discover how to be better at nurturing.

Criticism and fault-finding is an unproductive method of changing someone's behavior.  It is also hurtful and emotionally damaging.  Is that how you approach someone?  Listen and find out how to be better at building up someone.

Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  These are all attributes of nurturing.  With these, nurturing is possible.  

When God for gives us he completely forgets our sins.  Sometimes we have a tough time following his lead.  Is that hard for you, as well?

Words verbalize what's in the heart.  Beyond that, words demonstrate sincerity.  True forgiveness leads to behaviors that builds a person up.  Can you do that?

So here's the deal.  God does not hold grudges.  And neither should you.  Follow his example by forgiving others.  You will not regret it.

It's not about you.  It's about the other person.  If you are reluctant to be humble, remember that Jesus humbled himself and died on the cross just for you.  So, can you do the same?

Can you do it?  Can you humble yourself with humility?  An apology restores fellowship and peace to a relationship.  Without an apology, reconciliation will never happen.  Don't be caught in that trap.

An apology is necessary because it opens the door to forgiveness.  It is also the beginning of reclaiming your self-respect.  Holding onto hurt does nothing good, and damages the opportunity for peace.  

Not an easy task, but it becomes easier when you turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance.  Speak the truth and speak it with humility.  Your actions will be received and blessed.  Take the first step by turning to God.  He is waiting for you.

Here's a tough question.  How can I keep my anger in check and ignore insults?  Not easy to do, but necessary.  And if you are guilty of betrayal are you capable of demonstrating humility through confession?  Anger is wasted energy.  Following God's word is an essential to making things right.

Here's a tough one.  If you're the recipient of some ones anger, go and make amends to that person. God can give you the courage to do just that.  Are you willing to do so?

Search your heart for honesty.  A few words that can change a bad situation into a positive opportunity.  Ask God for opportunities to honest about your feelings.  He will hear your prayer.

Anger is simply an instrument for revenge.  Being slow to anger prevents overreacting.  Instead, take the time to discover God's point of view.

Anger is a snare that has the potential for wrecking a commitment to remain calm and in control.  Discover how you can control your anger.

Criticism can diminish a person's character and self-worth.  If you're in the receiving end of criticism, that's not easy.  How well you respond will dictate the future of who you are.  It takes courage and strength.  Is that something you have?

Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.  Yeah, not an easy thing to do.  It becomes easier when you understand WHY?

Criticism rarely, if ever, produces positive results.  The most natural response is to strike back.  Consider your words carefully.  Don't act out of anger or an attitude of revenge.  Consider how God would respond.

Instead of revenge, consider kindness, mercy and forgiveness, just as God has forgiven you.  Not always easy to do, but essential if you want to be the person God has intended.  Yes, not always easy to do, but important that you consider the option.

Anger, resentment, hatred.  That's a barrier to loving God.  Instead it magnifies and decays the relationship with Him.  There is a better way.  Listen and learn.

Revenge can devastate and and destroy the one desiring it as well as the one to whom it is directed.  God's word clearly tells us "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge, but love others as yourself"  Tough to do, but imperative that you look to God when you are in a place like this.

Fear and regret replaces any joy experienced from getting revenge.  God instructs us to sincerely pray for those who cause you suffering and pain.  Pray that God will be merciful to them.  Take your eyes off your hurt feelings and focus them on God when you go to prayer.

Hatred is very powerful, but God gives us the courage and strength to defeat it.  Listening to God and doing what is right can be a challenge, but there is no other way to approach a problem and establish a positive solution.