Putting things in perspective is easy for some logical-mathmatical people like my husband, or my daughter who sees things in black and white, right or wrong terms. For me, however, I look at all the angles, the innuendoes, the insights, the instincts, the “behind the story stories”, the motivations, the ramifications, etc. and this makes things complicated.
While I sometimes forgive others’ negativity, I tend to wonder what caused the statement that was hurtful. I wonder what had previously motivated the person to speak to me in distain or to be dismissive of me. I take the hurt personally, but then wonder why it occurred in the first place. Then, after I’ve stewed about it for a few minutes, I just convince myself that in the long run, I didn’t need that person’s approval, or that person was just concerned about her own perspective and didn’t consider how her remarks looked to me.
Do I do that to others? Now that would just plain be wrong. So, I’m trying to be overly sensitive to others so that I am an encourager, and do not give others reason to be hurt by what I say. If I take Paul’s advice to the Ephesians, I will speak in love, I will sing and make music in my heart to the Lord, always giving thanks for everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Let that motivate my speech because my thoughts are under control of the Spirit when I ask His guidance. Yes. Minute by minute; second by second. Think before you speak, Betty!
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