Pastor Joel Osteen Daily Devotional December 16 2023.

You can’t control how someone treats you, but Jesus says you can control how you respond by not allowing them to get you upset. When you overlook offenses, you’ll not only enjoy your life more, but you’re showing God that He can trust you with more influence and favor. Don’t go the next twenty years allowing the same coworker or relative to keep getting you upset. You give them permission to steal your joy. You make the choice to be offended, discouraged, and sour. The next time someone pushes one of your buttons to get you bent out of shape, just smile and say, “I’m going to stay in peace and be respectful despite how they treat me.” You have to stay on the offensive and control your own happiness. You have to make up your mind that no matter what people say or how they treat you, they’re not going to steal your joy. The most powerful thing you can do is to be good to them, keep focused on your goals, and let God be your vindicator.

“Father, thank You that I have the power to stop allowing others to get me upset and frustrated. Thank You that I can stay on the high road and let You take care of other people’s comments and attitudes. I’ve made up my mind that I’m going to keep my joy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”