Don’t spend positive time on negative thoughts

Wednesday’s Word

We all watched as the man boldly walked down the street with the American Flag, shouting God Bless you,” as well as his truths about our world and its current physical, emotional and spiritual climate.

Thanks for joining us for Wednesday’s Word with Kim-Evinda and Trench Classes United. Please be advised, this is NOT a political post! 😉

The bold young man ended with “Don’t think I’m crazy; I’m just speaking truth.”

A couple sitting in the very front of the covered patio of the restaurant laughed, but not at the guy. “I don’t think you’re crazy,” the man nearly shouted, I happen to agree with you.” Suddenly all of us sitting in the area started to chime in our agreement, raising our glasses, “Cheers” I said. Laughter followed and as the last of it melted into the Laguna beach air, we all returned to our meals and conversations but with a sense of camaraderie, as if we’d known each other for some time. No one there spent any time talking about the differences in opinion, or any negativity whatsoever. It was one of many great moments that made for a great day.

The next morning, in my quiet time, I had a thought; It’s easy to feel that sense of belonging and camaraderie when you’re all agreeing, but why can’t we have that when we don’t agree about things, whether they be politically, spiritually, relationally or anything in between?

My mind rewound to a couple days prior when a long-time friend and I were out in my backyard talking, and of course all that’s happening around us came up. Her and I are on different sides, so to speak, on several things, but the cool thing was, I listened to her; she listened to me, and there was no anger involved, no name calling, no hate. In fact, it was very fulfilling to be able to agree to disagree.

Isaiah 1:18 says: “Come, let us reason together…” so let’s look at the word “reason.” In the Hebrew translation, it means “to explain, argue, substantiate, motivate.”

I don’t know about you, but when I hear the word “argue,” my defenses go up. This holy-inspired scripture is not permission to argue with anger; however I do believe that God gives us permission to agree to disagree with grace. That’s healthy arguing. How do I know that? So glad you asked. In 1st Peter 3:15, we’re instructed to give our answers with gentleness and respect. Respect does not mean you agree with them; in fact, to truly respect someone is to be okay with the differences, and when it comes to any moral issues, remember Who has the camera into the heart; you and I don’t!

Don’t spend positive time on negative thoughts-meaning don’t spend time figuring out how you can win someone over to your opinion no matter what the situation; just take the time to appreciate the differences.

Thoughtfully,
Kim-Evinda

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