Right Attitude Toward People By Robert C. Archer

Learning from Jesus  He looked for the good in people  Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” (John 1:47)  Was Nathanael perfect? No, but Jesus saw the good in him.

Learning from Jesus  He realized that not everyone is the same  Example: Jews considered all Samaritans as unworthy (John 4)

Learning from Jesus  He saw in people what they could become – not what they were  Example: Woman at the well in John 4  What was she? An adulterer  What could she become? A believer  What did she have to do? Sacrifice  Matthew 19:12 12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it."

Learning from Jesus  When He was abused, He didn’t hold a grudge  Example: Peter asking “How many times should I forgive my brother?” He said, “until seventy times seven” (Matt. 18:21-22)

Learning from Jesus who sin against us  He taught that we should try to be reconciled to those who sin against us  Matthew 18: "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

Learning from Jesus whom we offend  He taught that we should try to be reconciled to those whom we offend  Matthew 5: Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Learning from Jesus  He gave compliments to others  Example: John the Baptist, Matt. 11:11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Learning from Jesus  He defended His disciples when they were wrongfully accused  Matthew 12:1-8 1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, "Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!"

Learning from Jesus  He knew that deep inside everyone there is a hunger for supernatural blessings  Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."