Venting Frustrations

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The other day I read an article about Netflix firing some key executives because of venting about co-workers and leaders in an online chat. Venting and gossiping about others is a really bad habit that I believe God hates. It's choosing to focus on the darkness and what is wrong rather than giving other people the same grace God has given us. In my own experience anytime I have vented to God about other people he always stops me and turns it back around on me. His answer is always the same... Give them the same grace I have given you.

If someone really needs to change venting doesn't help. Only grace makes people want to change. Venting about frustrations is choosing to live in the past and focus on darkness.  Love assumes the best about people and keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13). The Bible clearly says it is better to be wronged than to be offended. 

Our goal in the Abundant Life Blueprint is to make other people great and it requires breaking any patterns of venting and gossiping even if it is just venting to your spouse or God. How is venting to your spouse or God any different than venting to others? 

Consider some of the following verses...

Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say. Ecclesiastes 10:20

There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. Luke 12:2-3

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:16-19

So what do you do if you are really having an issue with a person? Go talk to them, but do so in a loving humble way. An open face to face meeting results in peace. And then focus on praising them for what they do well. 

Here are two real life examples of praising when it would be easy to vent and complain. 

I once heard a story of two guys in a small town. One guy was a troublemaker and nobody liked him. The other guy never had anything bad to say about anyone. At the troublemakers funeral several people were talking about how much trouble he had caused. The guy who never had anything bad to say about anyone walked up to the casket and said..." He was the best whistler I have ever heard." 

My mom knew a woman who had raised several foster children from very bad backgrounds who all turned into amazing adults. Her secret was to praise the kids each day. My mom asked if it was ever hard to find something to praise. The woman responded with... We had one kid who was constantly in trouble, but we liked the way he combed his hair so we praised him for his hair and it grew from there. 

As we break the bread in communion today it's a reminder that God chose to give us unconditional love and grace when he could have just vented and complained about us. We are to receive his grace and let it flow through us to others. Today when we break the bread let it be symbolic of breaking any bad patterns of venting and gossip. 

I am praying for you.

Daniel

P.S. Our goal in the Abundant Life Blueprint is to make each other great. If you would like to partner with us and become part of our community you can learn more here. 

Here is how we do the Daily Communions...

1) Start with the 30 Day Prayer Challenge Prayer

2) Take a few minutes to examine yourself, plan your day with God, and listen. Here are some good questions. 

 Click Here to Create Your Daily Plan and Have Your Plan Emailed to You.

1.  What were your wins over the last 24 hours?
2. Did you have overflowing levels of peace? It is either yes or no.
3. Did you have overflowing levels of joy? It is either yes or no. 
4. What do you know to do over the next 24 hours? List little things + things you feel God is prompting.
5. What is the most important thing you feel God is teaching you over the last 24 hour?

3) Meditate on the daily communion teaching for a few minutes.

4) Take communion. At our house we take communion daily and keep a box of matzo crackers and grape juice on hand. 

5) Execute your plan with a good attitude trusting that God is helping you. 

6) The daily videos and audios guide you through this process.