By: Jessica Huber

 

Watch Out! When we Vent the pot, the Steam is Hot!

So many times we get together with a good friend and the RELEASE begins! We UnlOaD! Are we doing ourselves a disservice? We have to look at it through spiritual eyes and ask, are we being harmed by the excess steam?
It’s definitely good to have a close friend to discuss our concerns and share our life experiences, but we need to be mindful of the atmosphere that we are creating. It’s not good for us or the friend lending the ear. I’m not saying to bottle everything up, but sometimes it can start a frenzy of unnecessary negativity. We need to remember to be careful that in the process of sharing our concerns, we are not taking back what we have previously placed in Gods hands.

Let’s say you are serving as the sounding board, as brothers and sisters In Christ, we need to be the ones steering the conversation in His direction. We need to be Charging the Faith and witnessing with truth. Be an encourager, notice when your friend is too close to the situation, notice when your friend is in danger of looking through worldly eyes. Be that for them! Point out scripture, reassure them That God is in control!

Its critical to Have God as our number One Go To!
Give it to Him and Trust! Pray that in the meantime, He will strengthen your self control.  Ask Him to fill you with His Comfort and Peace. He is the Only one that can take care of this situation properly. Give it and Leave it!

Every time you complain or Hash a situation out Again, unfortunately your taking it back into your own hands.
Next time you or your friend decides to bring a vent session to the table, first ask ..

Have We given this problem to God yet?

What will we gain from talking about this?

If you are looking for a prayer Warrior, by all means proceed! If you are looking for someone who can encourage and point you to Christ and His Word, then proceed! If you need a little cry, let the floodgates Go!
But…
If you see that the conversation is leading to reliving worry and hurt, then .. Drop IT! You are at risk of being burned!
If God has it, then You do not need to stir up emotions that are already being dealt with! Stay In Gods Peace!
Talk about something that makes you Smile!! Enjoy this precious time with your friend, laugh!

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

2 Timothy 1:7                                               For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

God Bless!