Holding on to the words of people

The trouble with holding on to every single word that someone says (whether you believe it’s from their heart or more of a surface level response), is that it doesn’t take into account that there are times when the expression of purpose, desire, passion, personality, experience, knowledge, and one’s current reality can come pouring out all at once. Oftentimes, this can skew the perception of the hearer (if the different expressions don’t all seem to fit together smoothly), making the ability to decipher what’s being said, how the information can be useful, and what place it’s coming from, a bit more challenging.

When the pressures of life are upon us, everything can get pressed down, shaken together, and come running over; And not always in this positively uplifting or even spiritually illuminating light, but rather in somewhat of a misunderstood culmination of our truth.

One can come across as very opinionated, negative, haughty, and complaining, but with a touch of friendliness, laughter, and display of genuine concern all at the same time. Some can come across confused, complicated, and ignorant, but expressing a bit of openness and willness to listen and learn. Another can come across very educated, enlightening, positive, humble, and kind, but with a whole lot of unsurety, self doubt, anxiousness, and thoughts of incompetence. Still, another can come across as outspoken, secure, focused, and empowered, but with a touch of hopelessness, people pleasing, and much lack of self care and boundaries.

These can often appear as more of an interesting fascination or a curiosity where the hearer is intrigued by the opportunity to engage and connect the dots of who someone really is. What’s their story? What are their talents or gifts? What are they capable of? And (of course, the big question of our thoughts…); What are their intentions?

The bible says “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”

People will always make us wonder if what they say is a true depiction of who they are, or if it’s a habitual, innate, or instinctive response. Learn to give people the benefit of the doubt that they are much more than they appear to be and much deeper than you are able to see. Find moments of vulnerability where you can connect with a similar experience or feeling and build a relationship with a brother or sister without condemning. Soon, you’ll see how much your openness, wisdom, empathy, and fruitful abilities in Christ can influence them and cause them to feel seen, important, respected, valued, and loved. You’d be amazed how many good seeds can be planted into one’s heart, just by being obedient to the move of the Holy Spirit.

“For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Matt. 12:34 BSB.

Therefore, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23 NKJV

Be blessed,

G.M.