Need Encouragement?

Replies: (page   1   2)
Seeker 08/13/2010 00:01
Madeline, this question you posed is excellent. "Do you give into what you shouldnt for the personal satisfaction of making others laugh or do you keep quiet because its the right thing to do,". You're right. There is a sense of satisfaction in having people like you and want you around because you're funny. That kind of acceptance is hard to resist even if it has to be at someone's expense.

Kelley, you remind me of an awesome friend I used to have (she's since moved away and we've lost touch). She had such a tender heart. She's really probably the one who taught me about real friendship. You're right, she was never mean in the way she dealt with people and I admired her immensely.

I forget where this Bible verse is found, but I remember reading that we will be called to account for every careless thing we say. I really just need that to sink into to my heart and spirit. I ask anyone who reads this to say a quick prayer for me, that God would help me to hold my tongue when it's the right thing to do. Thank you all on advance.
Helga 08/13/2010 22:57
Praying for you Seeker.
Seeker 08/14/2010 00:14
Many thanks, Helga. It humbles me that people who don't know me would care enough to respond to my request. God bless you all.
Sarajane8 08/22/2010 03:58
I so admire you for being honest, and believe that this is the first step to a journey where you WILL have the victory. Have you tried meditating on the verse "Life and death is in the power of the toungue and those who love it shall eat the fruit the fruit there of" Proverbs 18:21.

t times I think we are gifted in certain areas however we just don't know whow to use it. Joyce Meyer had difficultly controling her tongue and we can safely say her gift IS her tongue and the ability to interpret and see things in a certain way. The fact you see things in a way that at the moment hurts people could quite easily be spun around.

Another thing we have to try (me included) is to live before an audience of ONE and seek HIS attention to make HIM laugh and smile. HE has said to me so many times that I shouldnt concern myself with what people think and say. It is HIM who matters.

Keep repeating that proverb over and over again then pray that the words of your heart and the meditaions of your heart be acceptable in HIS sight

Much Blessings

Sjxx
Seeker 08/22/2010 14:22
What a great way to see this struggle, Sjxx. How great to imagine Him smiling and laughing because of me. Conversely, how sad and embarrassed would I feel if Jesus were visible next to me when I say something hurtful. You have definitely given me something to think about.
Helga 08/22/2010 23:21
I agree with Sarajane.
Lord Jesus help each one of us that our words come across to others so that they help building up your Kingdom.
giftoflight 08/23/2010 21:12
Hello Seeker,

What a good person you are to be so honest. Bless you for it.

A person who can make someone laugh has a very special gift. God gave you your sense of humor, and He wants you to use it for His glory. We all have an enemy and he knows you have this gift that has the potential to bring much joy to your sphere of influence. He wants to ensure that you distort your gift to hurt others. Don't believe his lies that say you should earn that laugh by any means necessary. God has already given you the gift, so you don't have to earn it. It's yours freely given. Give it back to Abba Father by lifting up the hearts of those who need to laugh. Ask Him just what to do in each situation before you open your mouth and He will fill your mouth with good things to say. You'll never feel better than when you are using your sense of humor exactly how God envisioned it for you.

Hang in there and know that you are loved much!
Seeker 08/27/2010 23:10
My brethren, it is my pleasure to accept your kind words, and I do accept them. I remain, for now, disgusted with my inability to control the sarcasm. I even allowed it to happen on another thread in this very forum. Why is this so hard? I mean, I have control over the things I say and write, I just can't seem to bring my words and thoughts captive to Christ. I guess it's just too deeply ingrained in my character. What's that verse about the heart being desperately wicked? Please, continue to pray on my behalf when you feel led, but know that I read and reread every post here when I need the encouragement, so thank you all for being a part of that.
Simon Ashmead 09/06/2010 18:54
Seeker, you have my deepest sympathy, as I know only too well how hard it is to stop that sardonic comment which forms itself so readily in the mind from escaping through the lips. I was actually seeking God about this before I read this post, and He showed me that the source of this for me was down to some serious bitterness in my heart that I have now asked Him to deal with. I'm praying that He will show you what the source of it is with you and that He will enable you to hand it over to Him in Jesus' precious name.
Tom B 09/06/2010 20:30
I read this today at Christ Notes. Maybe it is a good way to focus our efforts:
Weekly Wisdoms for the week of September 6, 2010

People listen to people who listen.
Far too often, many Christians view evangelism as a game involving "me," the Christian, vs. "you," the non-Christian. However, reaching unbelievers effectively usually requires working with them in order to develop a relationship based on trust, and any relationship requires listening to the other person in order to find out where they are spiritually and emotionally. When you authentically listen to others, they will genuinely listen to you.

In Romans 12:10, Paul writes, Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. To honor other people means respecting them, which includes listening to them. In fact, simply by listening attentively to someone you show that you care about that person: you place value on them.

Remember, people listen to people who listen."
It seems to me that as we listen and build trust, we improve our communication in many ways.
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