You can get yourself into an emotional tantrum by thinking about what happened, what people did to you, how you could have reacted better and what could have happened or what may happen because of…etc. Could’ve, would’ve, should’ve.
Your mind is precious. The key is – don’t let anyone or anything poison it. You and I are old enough to know at what point anything turns into poison.
Even if someone in your innermost circle plants evil in you, remember you will be answerable to God if that turns sour. And they are speaking about you the same way too.
Don’t encourage warnings about people, warnings ‘in prayer’, warnings for your own good etc – say a prayer for the person instead.
Give people a listening ear – so that their feelings get validated. Hurt people need to vent in a safe space; don’t judge them for it. But if your ‘own’ people are trying to recruit you into their bandwagon of hate – even if it’s your own family or inner circle, don’t join the crowd.
Often, the ostracised and judged get ostracised and judged again and again, while the critics who are much worse in character, go unchecked. You may prefer to trust your family, your best friend, even your church leaders, over that stranger or friend who you have known for lesser years or the world thinks of as a bold troublemaker. But they didn’t change, you became the complacent one. You exist, but you do not care for people. You let the world change you.
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart”. (1 Samuel 16:7)
GOD sees. And He will repay.
In a world where slander and libel is punished when the press does it, its really awful that we are ok when gossip about the vulnerable is repeated and re-shared.
If the person being spoken about is not around to defend himself/herself, and you do not put your ten cents of good word in, things can go out of control and your tongue can get you into trouble too.
When you end conversations, they should still be fair, sensible, godly and packed with a lot of love.
Don’t let the world make you afraid to love like Jesus.
#GodIsLove #DefeatHatredWithLove
