Stay Out of the Mud

Current Teaching Series The Miracle of Mercy

Stay Out of the Mud By Rick Warren — Apr 26, 2017 “Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going, a quarrelsome person keeps an argument going” (Proverbs 26:21 NCV). Retaliation never works with EGRs (Extra Grace Required people). It tends to escalate whatever problem you’re encountering. Over the last few devotionals I’ve shared with you the first four steps in dealing with people who frustrate, annoy, and hassle you: Look at their behavior. Refuse to be offended. Cut them some slack. Refuse to gossip about them. You also need to refuse to play their game. EGRs love to argue and debate. They use conflict to get your attention. When people try to get your attention through conflict, they’re just trying to hook you. They don’t really care what you think. They’re just trying to pull you into their game. You see this all the time on the internet. Somebody makes an off-the-wall statement, and you go, “I’m going to set him straight!” And at that moment, the other person is going, “Got ’em! I just hooked a big one!” Every bone in your body wants to fire off a reply to that blog, that email, or that Facebook post. Don’t do it! It’s a trap. Somebody once said, “If you wrestle in the mud with a pig, both of you will get dirty, but only one of you will enjoy it.” Stay out of the mud. Don’t get sucked into the argument. Just walk on by. Proverbs 26:21 says, “Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going, a quarrelsome person keeps an argument going” (NCV). EGRs love to keep the argument going. They find their meaning, their purpose, and their value by getting you upset. Don’t play their game. Don’t get drawn into it. They’re not looking for answers. They’re just looking for an argument.   How many people does it take to argue? It takes two, right? If one of them walks away, what happens to the argument? It ends. The fire goes out. Sometimes the most merciful thing you can do is walk away from the argument. Talk It Over Can you think of a time you were drawn into an argument with an EGR? How did that turn out? How does refusing to argue with an EGR diffuse the conflict? Why is it hard to walk away from an argument? What can you keep in mind that will help you to walk away?  PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Our Gift: The Miracle of Mercy Study Kit Experience more mercy in your life! There’s a reason God talks about mercy so much in the Bible – because it’s one of the most important character traits He wants to develop in us! That’s why Pastor Rick Warren put together his brand-new The Miracle of Mercy DVD study kit. In its six lessons, you’ll learn how mercy can help you… • Forgive those who’ve hurt you • Heal your own hurts • Mend broken relationships • Be more patient with difficult people • Cultivate a servant’s heart LEARN MORE

Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes six full length teaching CD's from Pastor Rick's series The Miracle of Mercy. LEARN MORE

Series Summary Message 1: ​​Easter Means It's a New Day of Mercy Message 2: God Can Use Anybody Message 3: God's Mercy and My Failures ​Message 4: How Much You Matter to God Message 5: Showing Mercy to Your Family Message 6: Being an Agent of Mercy in the World PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at pastorrick.com. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered a​round the world. This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe