Peacemakingly honest

Scripture: James 3:17

Thought for the day: "If I catch myself pretending or proving, I know I'm processing my hurt the wrong way."

Seriously??? Really??? I was just talking today to a couple of my friends/co-workers that I am really trying to be more respectful to those people I don't get along with. I'm trying to not be so quick to say bad things about them, ridicule them or belittle them. Then I read today's scripture. I first read it in the New Living Translation. Then I decided, well let me read it in The Message version...

17-18 Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

You...You....You're good You. 

I know I really shouldn't be shocked that He's showing me these things. That He's helping me see and confirm my path. I mean, it's what I've been asking Him to do. But wow!!!

Ok...so I just got that confirmation that I'm headed in the right direction. So here's my thoughts. Tomorrow I am going to try to look for the good in everyone who comes across my path. I'm going to try not fly off the handle if someone makes me angry and I'm going to try to be peacemakingly honest. 

Hmmmm...what does peacemakingly honest mean, you ask? As I was reading my devotional, the author stated that not all expressions of emotions are real honesty. It could just be emotional spewing. I kinda liked that phrase. These emotions could be jaded by only knowing one side of the situation. Just because I'm being honest with how I'm feeling, doesn't mean I'm not exaggerating or making the situation seem worse than it is.

It also stated that being a peacemaker without honesty is basically saying everything is fine when it really isn't. Stuffing all those feelings, not talking about them until one day....KABOOM! You explode all over anyone who is in the same proximity as you. And we all know that I never do that. Ok..I couldn't even type that with a straight face. :)

So, I've been writing this blog for about a week and a half. I know this is my journey, but I certainly would love some feedback from anyone who is reading this. Am I alone in feeling this way? Am I the only one out there going through this stuff? Maybe. But I can't help but think I'm not. Let's talk.