People are valuable

Manipulation is when we put our own goals first and deceive others into 'serving' us. It's when we treat each other as chess pieces, as part of our plan. Manipulation is something we may even do without being aware of it. When we manipulate, we stop seeing others as valuable.

Romans 12:10 NLT says, 'Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other.' It's about treating one another right. God's heart is that we put each other's well-being above our own schemes, even if we think those schemes are 'for their "own good"'. Some examples? When we think, 'Oh no, I've done something wrong. Best own up to it. But... I'll play up the bewildered innocent card. I want this person to like me, after all...' Or when we 'hear from God', only hearing what we want to hear: like 'divine revelation' times when people state, 'We Should Both Be Together Because God Told Me' - of course God does put people together, but this 'revelation' should be carefully considered before speaking it.

We are all capable of manipulation. But we pay a high price if we do it. We lose love. Love wants the best for other person, even at our own expense. Manipulation wants our own best, at the expense of others. It brings conflict, hostility and resentment. It's the opposite of loving.



So what now? If you feel someone is trying to manipulate you, call it out. If that's tough to do, ask someone for help. And, think about where you may not be valuing someone 100%.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Take delight in honoring each other.' Romans 12:10 TLB
— SOULFOOD —

1 Tim 1-3, Matt 27:11-26, Ps 140, Pro 18:21-22