What happens when we fill our minds with thoughts of God’s love? Will standing beneath the downpour of his grace change the way we feel about others?
It’s not enough to keep the bad stuff out. We’ve got to let the good stuff in. It’s not enough to keep no list of wrongs. We need to cultivate a list of blessings. Paul says in Philippians 4:8,
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Thinkingconveys the idea of pondering, studying, and focusing…allowing what is viewed to have an impact on us. You want to make a list? Then list his mercies. List the times God has forgiven you. Rather than store up the sour, store up the sweet!
She was hurt over the lack of trust and the “behind the back” comments made by her co-worker. Was the one who brought it to her attention even truly her friend? Her fingers flew over the keyboard with words of defense, explanations and justifications of her own actions. She fought back the tears! She had worked so hard in this place!
As her anger and hurt subsided she talked it over with a friend. Her sense of Injustice was real. She did need to address the rumors. Thankfully she had not pressed “send” on her original email. Together with her friend she explored her options. She truly wanted to respond in a way that would honor her Lord and not simply react only to throw more fuel on the fire.
The business world has its challenges. Many react out of self-defense and are quick to step on those who might get in their way. Insecurity is rampant and can masquerade as “confidential” gossip. Days can be trying in such an environment.
Yet there you are. Appointed by God to this place at this hour. You have His help, the help of His Holy Spirit. You have His word to guide you. You have a different standard to live by. He tells us how to think. The way we think will impact the words that come from our mouths.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”Philippians 4:8
When you are faced with gossip, accusations, judgments or when you are tempted to feel you must “play the game” to get ahead, remember God’s way. THINK before you react. Then you will respond in a way that invites God to come into the situation and bring His help and His insight.
As your fingers fly over the keyboard or as your voice rises in defense… pause to THINK and ask these few questions. Is the conversation I am about to engage in ….
T- True?
What facts are actually on the table?
H- Honorable?
What am I revealing about my own integrity by how I respond?
I- Important?
Is it important enough for me to validate by responding?
N- Necessary?
Can any good come of pursuing this conversation or is it idle talk?
K- Kind?
Can I be careful not to throw unnecessary stones at someone else?
Jesus followers should be the first ones to be peacemakers in situations that are hurtful, volatile, confusing and filled with misunderstanding.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9
Lord God, Today I ask You to go before me into the conversations of the day through my words or through my email. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who is my Helper and who can put the right words in my mouth. Please keep my heart and my attitudes protected and honoring to You. Give me the right understanding of what is really going on. Grant me the discernment I need so I can lay aside self-defense. Forgive me for times when I have failed to do my part in bringing peace to a situation. May I be Your representative today as I think before I speak. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
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