09/06/2026
FAITHFUL
#10 Watch and Learn - “How to Be at My Best When Others Are at Their Worst”
The Crossings Church
9/6/2026
“2 Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor.
3 Consider the life of the One who endured such personal attacks and hostility from sinners so that you will not grow weary or lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3 VOICE
I CAN BE AT MY BEST WHEN OTHERS ARE AT THEIR WORST IF…
1. RATHER than embracing BITTERNESS, I offer FORGIVENESS.
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
Luke 23:34 NIV
Question- “WHY should I offer forgiveness?”
Because…
* Jesus MODELED it, COMMANDED IT, and CONNECTED it.
* Because it’s COUNTERPRODUCTIVE to “hold a grudge.”
“Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple.”
Job 5:2 NLT
2. I RECOGNIZE my SUFFERING as an opportunity to SERVE.
“A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.””
Luke 23:38-43 NLT
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT
3. I RESOLVE to TAKE care of those who TOOK care for me.
“Standing near his cross were Jesus’ mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the follower he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the follower, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, the follower took her to live in his home.”
John 19:25-27 NCV
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.””
Luke 2:34-35 NIV
4. I REFER my HARD QUESTIONS to God.
“At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).”
Mark 15:33-34 NIV
“You LISTEN to the longings of those who suffer. You offer them hope, AND you PAY ATTENTION to their cries for help.”
Psalms 10:17 CEV
5. I REMAIN HUMBLE enough TO ASK for help.
“When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
John 19:30 NLT
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Proverbs 11:2 NIV
6. I RECALL that bad days have A PURPOSE and AN END.
“When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
John 19:30 NLT
“7 Endure hardship as God’s discipline and rejoice that He is treating you as His children, for what child doesn’t experience discipline from a parent? … 10 Our parents corrected us for a time as seemed good to them, but God only corrects us to our good so that we may share in His holiness.” Hebrews 12:7, 10
7. I REAFFIRM MY FAITH and PLACE MYSELF in God’s hands.
“Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.”
Luke 23:46 NLT
