Stepping Over The Line

Stepping Over The Line

by Shirley Peter
(Atkinson NE. USA)

I have another question that I would like to go out to your readers and members.

When do we step over the line when we are trying to point others in a better direction?

To explain a bit, I have gotten into hot water more than once for trying to help someone in some area that I have faced a difficulty, but found out how to have victory over it.

People seem to want sympathy more than they want change. I can understand that, also having been in that position myself, until the Lord opened my mind and heart up to hearing others out.

My intentions have never been to offend, but many are offended when they are told that a solution is entirely their choice.

So how far do we go when others share a problem with us? I always risk the loss of a relationship in order to try to help another, but wondering if I am going at this all wrong?

Should we just listen, encourage, and not share what we know?

Just want to get some others input on this if possible. It's ok if I get negative reports also because I have learned to take what I can use, and let the rest go.

Thank you much.

Shirley.

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Stepping Over The Line

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Sep 15, 2007

Sharing Faith
by: Karen

Shirley,

I've really had to work on this area myself. It's just so easy to point out things in other people that just aren't right.

My kids go pretty nuts sometimes, and I keep thinking I'm doing it all to help them avoid the mistakes that are coming.

Well.....needless to say, many times it goes over like a lead balloon. They say I'm judging them and they don't like it even the slightest little bit.

There is a fine line between trying to help someone and judging them. It's not an easy line to see either.

It's generally not a good idea to point out something to someone else UNLESS you've prayed about it and God says to talk to them. You'll know if it's God because He'll bug you until you do it.

Sometimes people respond the best when they can see the right behavior modeled right in front of them. That means you show them what it looks like, and you keep showing them until they get it.

That is a lot different than confronting them about bad behavior on your own.

Stay in constant prayer, especially when it involves someone else. God knows what will be well received and what will backfire.

Blessings,

Karen

Sep 15, 2007

Stepping Over the Line
by: Cathy

I guess I can be sometimes be "too" honest & some people aren't wanting to hear the truth when it doesn't go along with what they want to hear. They would just rather hear that they are right & thats it.

I sometimes (NOT like I used to though) get offended/hurt when others told me things I just didn't want to hear.

But I feel that if we follow the HOLY SPIRITS lead & the openings GOD gives to us, we can use those moments to share things that we feel about something others are or are not doing. And IF we say it in love, pray about it first (if theres not time to pray ahead of time, maybe ask the person if they'd pray FIRST with you for GODS wisdom/directions).

I am pretty straight forward with what I think to others though. And, as I said, I DO try to say it softly & in love & tell them I don't mean to sound harsh, judgmental, etc, that I'm saying things in love cause I care.

I think the stepping over the line comes in when we "push" our opinions down their throats & get angry if they don't do what we say. All we are supposed to do is share GODS word, share from our personal experiences & it is up to THEM to decide what they want to do with it.

I think after we share then thats all we can do. We can cry, pray, listen & direct them to GODS word. I also sometimes ask them when they come to me with a problem IF they want me to just listen or if they want me to give an opinion & let them chose which they want.

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Sep 15, 2007
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Submitted by: Cathy

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I guess I can be sometimes be "too" honest & some people aren't wanting to hear the truth when it doesn't go along with what they want to hear. They would just rather hear that they are right & thats it. I sometimes (NOT like I used to though) get offended/hurt when others told me things I just didn't want to hear. But I feel that if we follow the HOLY SPIRITS lead & the openings GOD gives to us, we can use those moments to share things that we feel about something others are or are not doing. And IF we say it in love, pray about it first (if theres not time to pray ahead of time, maybe ask the person if they'd pray FIRST with you for GODS wisdom/directions). I am pretty straight forward with what I think to others though. And, as I said, I DO try to say it softly & in love & tell them I don't mean to sound harsh, judgmental, etc, that I'm saying things in love cause I care. I think the stepping over the line comes in when we "push" our opinions down their throats & get angry if they don't do what we say. All we are supposed to do is share GODS word, share from our personal experiences & it is up to THEM to decide what they want to do with it. I think after we share then thats all we can do. We can cry, pray, listen & direct them to GODS word. I also sometimes ask them when they come to me with a problem IF they want me to just listen or if they want me to give an opinion & let them chose which they want.

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Stepping Over The Line

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Stepping Over The Line