Oh, to Discern the Wisdom of Christ for Each Instance
Posted: Tuesday, December 29, 2009
by Jean Purcell
OpineBooks.com
Dear SW writers who might want to read this note about wisdom. It's also about words and reactions:
Please picture me happy, not mad. Please picture me OK, not distressed. Please picture me friendly, not enemy. Words often, in my hands it seems, can give impressions never intended. Recent invigorating exchanges on SW due to my writing remind me how far I am from the wisdom of Christ. Christ communed with the Father and knew that each situation requires its own answer or action.
Above all, I want to be kind even in the midst of debate. How can one gauge one's self in such matters? Also, I want to be silent at best and at least unheated when accused of confusing writing. I thank God that the latter is possible. Now I need, perhaps, to learn the silence part, at least for certain instances. Most of all, I wish not to intrude upon or hinder God's work in others' minds or my own mind or heart.
It is energizing to engage in debate. It can, at best, be clarifying. I'm not sure if that is what I'm called of God to do, however. I'd rather write, not relate, for fear of saying something that would hurt or discourage more. Yet, when we write with conviction, we will touch nerves, no matter how much we try not to do that.
Twice this week with two different articles I have been reminded of the power of words. In another internet venue, I have been called worse. All of this recent reminder pushes me back into Scripture before I arise again to make a response-or not.
I'm working on this aspect of life and writing and faith. It is an invigorating if somewhat puzzling journey. Leave any comments you wish and please take no offense if I do not respond for a while.
In the joy of Christ, with Happy and Blessed New Year 2010 wishes to all !
Jean
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Great post it was very informativeJennifer, very glad to hear you found this article informative. Thanks for letting me know! Blessed New Year 2010 coming soon!
Jean, I believe if you write what you feel inside your readers will capture your feelings. I don't believe we should be afraid of what we say for most all of your readers will see what you are trying to get through.Hi, David, Thanks very much for writing this from your heart. It is timely encouragement and a significant reminder.
Jean ~ SO good....we need to chew on this one! Thanks, MarijoThanks, Marijo! Blessed and Happy New Year! Everything that comes our way is useful if we allow time, reflection, prayer, and above all the help and counsel of the Lord. I appreciate you.
Sometimes I know silence is better but at times it is really hard. I have to remember what I was taught. Restraint of tongue and pen will pay off handsomely. If we don't push back they have no where to go. Another great article. Thanks for sharing.Thanks for your comments, Linda! I think that the comments on SW, even when harsh from other writers, which I recently received and removed due to my own lack of clarity more than the commentor's (re: the terrorist article you also commented on) do make us think and help us write more clearly. I appreciate what other writers' perspectives can bring. Learning how to "see" what others mean and react constructively seems to be an on-going process for me and for others as well. Just when I think I've grown in this area, one few moments of tiredness or overload can quickly show that I have more growing to do. Again, Happy New Year!
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