There is the negative... Proverbs 21:9 says, "Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman." Ouch! We could possibly drive people to the housetop with our presence!
And the positive. "(We) had no rest, but we were troubled on every side...Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus." (2 Corinthians 7:6) Our presence could refresh those who are downcast--conflicted and fearful.
So who am I? Who are you? Do our words, actions, and even thoughts bless and uplift? Or are we forcing people to the streets in avoidance?
The next thing to ponder is, with whom are we surrounding ourselves? Are those we choose to spend our time with building us up in the Lord or dragging us down? Granted there are those with whom we do not have choice. Face it. But when it comes to your and my closest circle of friends, who do we choose for deep fellowship?
People have the power to affect us. If you find yourself in a difficult relationship, one you cannot necessarily "escape," then put your hope in God. He is able to strengthen you to reflect Him rightly. It might not be the easiest thing you or I have ever done, but those are the situations where His power is made most manifest--when we completely depend upon His deliverence and enabling.
Trust Him, friend, and keep on.
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