Can Your Behavior Patterns Be Changed?

Is it possible to be too nice by accepting other people’s negative attitudes and behaviors? Vicious circles begin by yielding to self-imposed needs to always be nice and accepting. Feelings of guilt and shame may follow when a person yields to being inappropriately nice.

Vicious circles can be problematic, not only for relationships but for a person’s integrity and self-esteem. 

Those within a vicious circle may lose self-respect by refusing to share what they think and feel just to avoid having conflict and being rejected.

Can these patterns of behavior be changed? The answer is "Yes", but it may be difficult where conflict avoidance is part of the vicious circle. However, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Energy for change comes from believing God is a constant source of hope and power. Psalm 18 declares, “I love you, O Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress, and my Savior.” Allow this to be your testimony and faith.

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Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone.

~Galatians 6:10 New Living Translation

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What Helps You Recognize the Voice of Jesus?

Trouble can invariably steal away a peaceful and contented lifestyle when we’re least expecting its intrusion. This infers that no one has the privilege of avoiding trouble that visits each person at varying intervals throughout life. Even children face issues that could overwhelm adults.

Everyone must learn strategies for managing problems at different levels of intensity. David, out of necessity, learned to use the slingshot to protect himself and his sheep from predators. A basic strategy David used to manage his troubles was to seek God with all of his heart and then ask him for help.

Jesus reminds us that he is the Good Shepherd and his sheep know his voice and follow him. There isn’t a situation you could be facing that’s beyond help from God. 

Jesus specifically encourages you to call on him when you are troubled and he will answer according to your need. Eagerly wait for Jesus to respond to your call for help. 

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Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

~Proverbs 10:9 New International Version

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Trustworthiness: Essential to Reconciliation

Making amends is usually a give-and-take affair between two people, with each person being equally responsible for the success of the effort. The one seeking to make amends must demonstrate humility and sincerity in addition to presenting an attitude of trustworthiness.

  

          The one receiving the offer of reconciliation is responsible for being receptive with humility and sincerity. Esau had every right to hesitate when Jacob attempted to make amends for cheating him out of his birthright and his father's blessing. Instead he reached out to Jacob with love and forgiveness because he saw trustworthiness in Jacob that could not be denied.

          Trustworthiness is essential when one seeks to make amends. For fellowship to be restored, the recipient is responsible for receiving it with an attitude of humility. Esau reached out to Jacob with the blessing of peace by giving him a hug and a kiss. This clearly opened the door for God to bless both brothers. What greater reward could there be for making amends? 

Today Is the Day!

CONCEALMENT is akin to hoarding, and then refusing to reveal what you’ve got for fear the consequences could be painful. Cover-ups in relationships are dangerous because they’re a deterrent for building intimacy. By its very nature, concealment reeks with distrust in addition to controlling what others may have the right to know.

          Concealment produces guilt that Jesus said would eventually be shouted from the house top. Primo Levi noted in his book, The Drowned and the Saved, “Uncomfortable truth travels with difficulties.” Withholding what should be spoken in truth builds a bridge to experiencing something like drowning in guilt and shame.

          Concealment becomes a habit that’s hard to break, but remember, nothing can be concealed from God and that’s good news. If God loves you knowing everything, perhaps others will also. Proverbs 10:9 notes, “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes a crooked path will be found out." Truth sets you free, so be courageous.