When God shows us our sin, we have to repent and turn from that sin back to God. That means we aren't supposed to go back to that sin.
Easier said than done, right? YES!
Some things I turned from and never looked back. Some things I turned from, and God had to work on me a while. Some things God convicted me about, and I still struggle to turn from them.
You probably have a similar experience although the sins you struggle with – the things you do that do separate you from God – may be different from mine.
Lately, God has been convicting me about my talk. He reminded me that we have to be holy in our behavior. He also reminded me that what comes out of my mouth reflects what's in my heart.
He reminded me that I should come to Him when I get frustrated with someone else's behavior rather than "venting" to another person about what has made me angry or hurt my feelings.
"Venting" is what we call it when we complain or fuss to a third party about our frustrations.
For example, I could vent to my sister when I'm frustrated with my husband; I could go to her (and sometimes do) to complain or fuss about something he said that hurt my feelings or something he did that made me angry.
So, I vent to blow off steam, to let off the pressure, and then it's all over, and I can move on, right?
But really this is just talking behind my husband's back, isn't it?
And it didn't really fix anything, did it?
In fact, the only thing I've succeeded in doing is making it worse.
If we honestly look at it, venting is dangerous. It changes our mind and heart toward the person or thing we are venting about. It hardens our hearts more toward the situation and the people involved.
It also hardens the heart of the person we vent to. It literally changes how that person perceives the person we're venting about. So, it causes the confidant or third party to sin, too.
So, what the heck do I do when I've been wronged, and I'm angry? When I need to fuss about what someone's done to me? When I need to vent my frustrations?
Go to God. Pray to Him. Talk to Him about what that person said or did. How the person made me angry. How I want God to change that person.
You can do this, too, when you need to vent.
You can yell at Him. You can cry. Be angry. Be hurt. Be heart-broken. He can handle it.
Warning – God might not change that person who wronged you. But, He's very likely to change your heart toward that person.
I know you don't want that. You aren't the problem, right? The other person is…so you may have to "get right with God," as they say, before you can do this – knowing you're more likely to be changed and the other person might not be. Wrestle with Him about that, too. God will speak to you in that wrestling. He wants you to bring it to Him.
And maybe God can use the change in you to bring about change in the person who wronged you after all. Maybe the other person sees the change in you and how you treat them, and God uses that to soften their heart so He can change them…kinda crazy, huh? But that's how God works. His kingdom is upside-down, and His ways are not our ways.
I'm working on it, too.
The next time I am angry or hurt and feel the need to talk to someone about my issue with someone else, I'm going to talk to God instead. I'm going to take my frustration or anger to Him and allow Him to have His way with my heart.
Living in the world as your child seems difficult sometimes. Your ways aren't my ways. You call me to be different, and I want to do your will. You are wise. You are love. You are the Creator. You know how this is supposed to work. You see how it is meant to go. You know how it is going to end up.
You have control, and I thank you for taking that from me. You take my burdens and ask me to simply rest in you. You ask me to take your yoke which is light. You ask me to live according to your commands. Help me to do that.
Take my life, Father. Have your way with it.
Read more posts about how to handle hurt feelings. Also, read more posts about how to handle Satan's attacks. The temptation to vent to someone other than Jesus comes from Satan, and you can combat that temptation the same way I discussed combating other temptation from the enemy.
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Great post! Yes I remember crying out to God to change my hubby but I swear as clear as I could tell I heard Him speak to my heart "I will change you first!" I thought but there's nothing wrong with me LOL😂 But for real asGod worked in me and changed me he has also changed my hubby. God is so good. God bless you!
Praise the Lord! I am so thankful. I know it sounds counterintuitive and until it happens to you, it is hard to believe, but God's kingdom is upside down, and this is how he works. Thank you for reading and for sharing your experience.
Amen so true! God is so good and faithful always! Have a great day!