Joel Osteen Daily Devotional April 12 2022 – Cut the Strings

Proverbs 19:19, NIV

A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

Are you so good-hearted that you’re sacrificing your time and happiness to keep everyone around you happy? You need to know the freedom that comes when you get free from controlling people. Some people are always having a crisis and in desperate need of something. It’s good to help people who are in real need. But if it seems the emergencies never stop, you need to recognize that’s a manipulator and you are their puppet. They know if they pull one string, you’ll feel guilty, or another string and you’ll bail them out.

If someone is playing you like a puppet, it’s time to cut the strings. No more letting them make you feel guilty. No more will you come running. If you feel you’ll lose their friendship if you won’t meet unreasonable demands, that person is a manipulator, not your friend. The sooner you break free, the better off you’ll be. Be bold, take charge of your life, and pursue the dreams God has placed in your heart.

Father, thank You that You did not make me to be other people’s puppet and try to please them by fulfilling their wishes and demands. I want to be loving and kind and help others who are in real need, but help me to be bold and cut the strings of those who would manipulate and control me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.