Those NEGATIVE People!

You know who I'm talking about. They're everywhere, at work, school, even in pretty much every church or ministry center. Down-in-the-mouth, grumblers, complainers, what the old King James version of the Bible calls "malcontents".

Oh, they have moments and occasional smiles but in general not.

You're first thought is "Man, what worms have they swallowed now!" or something like that.

Here's the thing- neither you nor I fully KNOW what burdens they carry inside, what abuses they truly, actually suffered in their youth, family, adult years. We don't hear the put-downs heaped upon them. We don't have legit diagnoses of chemical issues in their brains and other body parts, we don't have all this information of why they seem to pass on bits of their own suffering and thus bring those around them bits of the same.

In everyday life and certainly in genuine pastoral ministry one comes into contact with such folks even if trying to avoid them. What to do?

Pray for them like you wish others would pray for you! I've learned long ago that some such people aren't going to be open to my help regardless of how much I try to kindly demonstrate care for them. I'm not -everybody's- person in this regard and there are plenty of reasons any of us as well as their own issues will be blocks to connecting regardless. I get it.

This is where loving, caring prayer, intercession for those "who oppose themselves", who cause others to not want to be around them can truly minister. The Holy Spirit know ALL about them and the causes of their struggles with depression, angst and general unsociable habits.

Second, not gossiping but sincere care for someone often means having a humble, respectful and prayerful chat with someone to whom they -may- allow into their lives to bring positivity, some healing and a better perspective of God's love and grace they may not be sensitive to. It doesn't have to be you in any direct sense though I'm not saying you shouldn't try be a friend to them -IF they'll have you as such.

If you follow Jesus in daily life and especially if linked closely to a local church or ministry whether "staff" or not, please also consider your own general attitudes because there are times you and I can truly be the "dark clouds" in the local sky if we're not getting the help -we- need!

Love and Grace are the deepest needs for us all- and Jesus directly and thankfully at times via His people provides both.

As always, thanks for stopping by :) -Glenn