Ssshh Artwork by Nims for Mariposa Blessings
Over the past few months I have noticed how various forms of messaging and social media services allow us to voice our opinions on a variety of subjects. People share and express what they think about situations in very personal ways. They believe that they have a right to respond to what is happening to or around them.
However, what do we do when the feedback is not favourable? When assumptions are made about who you are and what you stand for?
These questions came to mind when I received a personal message from someone who made judgemental accusative assumptions about what was happening in my life. I was hurt and angry about what they had said. I wanted to respond straightaway and ask in vexation, what the (#@*#) do you know about my life? (Might not be nice for some to read but God works better within me when I’m honest.) However, before I responded I spoke to a friend and their advice was to not respond. It made me think, is there ever a time to just stay quiet and leave that person to think what they like.
I struggled with the concept. The idea of not saying a word, just leaving it alone. Then as I was thinking about my friend’s advice and talking to God, the text Ecclesiastes 3:7 came to mind. ‘….. a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;’(NKJV). I started to search the Bible and found that it says many things about the effects of words and speaking.
Proverbs 15:1 ‘A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.’(NKJV)
Proverbs 15: 28 ‘The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.’ (NLT)
Proverbs 25:11 ‘A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold, in settings of silver.’
I decided to go with my friend’s advice and found reassurance in the Bible texts that I had discovered.
Also, later in that week while listening to a talk by Brené Brown, she highlighted that you will face criticism and feedback for what you do but its about knowing who’s you take on board. Listening to only those people who know your flaws but still have your back and (I will add) help you on your journey. Its knowing that at times you will have to remain silent and listen to unfavourable comments about your life. This is when you must remain focused on speaking to God and other people that are truly supportive. Being in contact with God and following His lead will give you the strength to walk with your head held high. Singing songs like ‘I’m walking’ by Donnie McClurkin and trusting in God to handle things sometimes requires us to switch to silence.
Bible texts:- Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 15: 28, Proverbs 25:11, Ecclesiastes 3:7
I’m Walking by Donnie McClurkin
Won’t He Do It by Koryn Hawthorne
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