Thursday, August 13, 2009

lessons

There is something I have observed over the years and a lesson learned the hard way. I think I have even posted on this before and still...I have to remind myself of the power of my words. What is the lesson? What have I observed? Wait for it...

OK..this is it. :) Have you ever been frustrated with someone? I mean, really, really frustrated? Even beyond frustration..all out offense. You are offended. I have. I know, hard to believe. I have..and instead of instantly taking to the Lord and getting over it quickly, I let it fester. I mediatated on it. Then, it got worse and worse, until it overflowed to all my friends and family. Soon, everyone knows what a booger this person is.

Observation: when you speak ill of someone to a friend, that does not know that person, YOU have now shaped an opinion of that person in that persons minds. Good or bad. Get it? YOU cause someone to think badly of another without them ever meeting. Awful!!! Now...they have a set opionion of someone, given to them by you, and it will take a lot longer for them to change their opionion. Most of time, even when you get over it, the ones you spoke to will hold onto your picture!!! I have seen it over and over. I have felt the disapproval from a person I did not know, but knew they knew a certain person. Very uncomfortable, and besides that..it matters not what I do..the picture has been drawn. :(

Lesson: Be careful how you talk of others. You can shape a persons character and motives with your words. People can look down on and form opinions of a person by your "venting". It is hard to change that opinion once it is formed. I don't believe this is love..God's love. I guess, bottom line, use the Golden rule, be quick to forgive, quick to love, and quick to believe the best. :)

melanie

2 comments:

Kathleen said...

Good advice!

Yes ... I have had my feathers ruffled by a good number of folks. I think I got over the gossipy sniping in my 30s, but that doesn't mean my attitudes don't stink at times.

Sometimes I just have to hide-out in the Lord until He fixes me. At other times I have to stake out the high ground, forgive, and get on with loving them.

Hugs,
Kathleen

Melanie said...

Thanks, Kathleen! I have been burned a couple times with this, which has help curb my mouth. :) It really is a choice. We forget, in our hurt, to put ourselves in the other persons shoes. I think if we did this more often..we would watch hour mouths more carefully.

Have a GREAT weekend!

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