Can we only see the good in people? Should we?

[RedTent]

If just seeing or responding to the good in people is best,what about the people who hurt us or are mean to us, steal from us, the gossips we listen to, or the people who get angry with us? What is the difference between just being a doormat and letting God take care of all people judging? When we raise our children, we must correct as well as praise. Is that an exemption, or should we learn to use praise as well as correction?

I am trying to be there for a woman who has lived a life deep in sin, it is all she has known. She found God. She is growing but she often stumbles. I have pointed out to her that “that is not the way, this is the way”.

Last night, I didn’t do that. I listened without much comment for several hours. When she was done, I found what was good about what she said and praised her for it. I could see her grow in faith and love for the Lord, then, where all my pointing to a better way and criticizing her way never worked as well.

I have a scripture on my frig that tells me what to see in the world about me, and what to think about. Philippians 4:8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise--dwell on these things.

I try, really I do. And often fail.

I am going to try to apply this to everyone and every situation. To see only the good part, bring it out to encourage and uplift, and let the rest be up to God to take care of.

But what a goal! And what about standing up for God and yourself?

 

[kenisyes]

Once many decades ago, Paul Harvey had a little story I will never forget. He told about a woman who always found something good to say about anyone you brought up. One day, a friend said to her, "I bet you could find something good to say about the devil himself." Without batting an eye, the woman reamarked, "well, one does have to admire his persistence".

 

[Remza]

I often wonder where to draw the line. Should i swallow my pride and let people have their way? I feel we should not be push overs, however say what we believe and feel is right, If someone asks of you what seems too much, let them have their way but if in doing this you go against biblical teaching, then tell them no.

Matthew 5;41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.

I too fail, trying to do what is right, but if in the process we are learning and becoming stronger and more Christ like, then we must persevere. It is so good to be working through Christ and know through him we can be better people,

All goodness is from God so when speak to others no matter who they may be it is as if we speak to him, so we should all try to appeal to the good in people.

Matthew 25 : 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

John 3;15 Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

 

[Ariel82]

I noticed that the kids pay attention to what you pay attention to when I subsitute teach. Often if I remind myself to look for the kids who are doing good and praise them, then the other kids will copy their behavior. However if I forget to pray and focus on the negative behavior of a handful of kids. then the rest will follow suit and misbehave because they do what gets them attention even if its negative.

I believe if we praise what is good in others than they by our silence know what we disprove of.

 

[Nancyer]

The best boss I ever had was the owner of an auto repair shop where I worked for 6 years. He never asked anyone to do anything without a please and thank you and we always felt appreciated. Yes, he would say something if you messed up but he was never mean about it, always understanding.

One year he took a 1 month vacation and while he was gone myself and the manager worked 6 days each week; we painted all the lifts and parking lines. We cleaned out and reorganized the back office and files. This was all because he was a caring, positive person who treated us like we mattered to him and his business. Positive re-enforcement always works better than the negative.

 

[Powemm]

Lots of "noise" in the world isn't there?
With that said .. Let's look at some things
when Peter cut off the guards ear in the garden .. he was doing it for good wasn't he? I mean he was trying to protect "Jesus" .. and what did Jesus tell Peter to do?
What did Jesus do with the guards ear?
So is it a matter of defending the truth? Or doing what's right?
Peter was doing right , until the very second he decided to swing his sword .. Jesus met him in the middle .. Peter swung His sword anyway ... Jesus then picked up the guards ear and healed Him..
so ... what is best ? Always see good

 

[hattiebod]

Lots of "noise" in the world isn't there?
With that said .. Let's look at some things
when Peter cut off the guards ear in the garden .. he was doing it for good wasn't he? I mean he was trying to protect "Jesus" .. and what did Jesus tell Peter to do?
What did Jesus do with the guards ear?
So is it a matter of defending the truth? Or doing what's right?
Peter was doing right , until the very second he decided to swing his sword .. Jesus met him in the middle .. Peter swung His sword anyway ... Jesus then picked up the guards ear and healed Him..
so ... what is best ? Always see good

I agree, always remeber to focus on and see good and if there is none to see? We can be hopeful that it's there, some good, somewhere and it will become more obvious. We as Christians can 'model' how we ought to interact together. If as Christians we are not a 'hopeful' people there is something very wrong. We need to be sensible though and be 'safe'. After all, our hope is not in what we can 'see' physically right now, but it is no less real. <><

 

[destinyinjesus86]

Hi,
In my personal life have come up with a lot of abuse. The human tendency is 'if one slaps you on one cheek, give him on both.' Well, but when we see what Christ has written, to turn on the other as well. If a person can see good that much, guess the person is on the path to perfection. However, we need not be victims of abuse. I remember myself forgiving my dad time and again, but yet he made my life a living hell. So, sometimes it's like people take advantage of Godly children who make them wanna feel good. In short, we need to understand that we are not punching bags for people to just punch us for doing good. There are wives who take abuse thinking it would not be 'good' if the world knows about it what's going on in closed doors. So, I believe we should think good of others and give justice in a 'good' way to abusive people.

 

[homwardbound]

If just seeing or responding to the good in people is best,what about the people who hurt us or are mean to us, steal from us, the gossips we listen to, or the people who get angry with us? What is the difference between just being a doormat and letting God take care of all people judging? When we raise our children, we must correct as well as praise. Is that an exemption, or should we learn to use praise as well as correction?

I am trying to be there for a woman who has lived a life deep in sin, it is all she has known. She found God. She is growing but she often stumbles. I have pointed out to her that “that is not the way, this is the way”.

Last night, I didn’t do that. I listened without much comment for several hours. When she was done, I found what was good about what she said and praised her for it. I could see her grow in faith and love for the Lord, then, where all my pointing to a better way and criticizing her way never worked as well.

I have a scripture on my frig that tells me what to see in the world about me, and what to think about. Philippians 4:8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise--dwell on these things.

I try, really I do. And often fail.

I am going to try to apply this to everyone and every situation. To see only the good part, bring it out to encourage and uplift, and let the rest be up to God to take care of.

But what a goal! And what about standing up for God and yourself?

The Phillipians 4:8 scripture is for us the believers to keep from sowing to the flesh and reaping the flesh us personally and the next is when you see a sister a brother in a sin we are to be meek and trust God for the right words at the right time to say so that that person will get the truth and do the truth if they are truly looking for salvation and not just relief in their own flesh and then continue on, and we are to consider ourselves as well bein careful that we do not fall into the same sin(s) but this descision is yours Redtent between God and you whether you are the the one that is lead by the Holy Ghost that leads you
there might just through this whole ordeal be more growth for you to discern between waht is good and bad God moving you onto his perfection found in Christ Jesus alone, Not saying this about you I do not know where your walk is exactly God and you do though so all I am doing is pointing out scripture to you for your edification to maturity if this has not occured yet That is Hebrews 5:10-6:8 sooyu please ask God for God's meaning here not anyone else

Thanks Homwardbound

 

[homwardbound]

If just seeing or responding to the good in people is best,what about the people who hurt us or are mean to us, steal from us, the gossips we listen to, or the people who get angry with us? What is the difference between just being a doormat and letting God take care of all people judging? When we raise our children, we must correct as well as praise. Is that an exemption, or should we learn to use praise as well as correction?

I am trying to be there for a woman who has lived a life deep in sin, it is all she has known. She found God. She is growing but she often stumbles. I have pointed out to her that “that is not the way, this is the way”.

Last night, I didn’t do that. I listened without much comment for several hours. When she was done, I found what was good about what she said and praised her for it. I could see her grow in faith and love for the Lord, then, where all my pointing to a better way and criticizing her way never worked as well.

I have a scripture on my frig that tells me what to see in the world about me, and what to think about. Philippians 4:8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise--dwell on these things.

I try, really I do. And often fail.

I am going to try to apply this to everyone and every situation. To see only the good part, bring it out to encourage and uplift, and let the rest be up to God to take care of.

But what a goal! And what about standing up for God and yourself?

as far as the abuse goes we are going to suffer in the body and we are to take it in trust it is differant in growing up a child
1 Corinthians 4:12We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us
For it is the:
2 Thessalonians 1:11Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
Romans 15:14[ From Jerusalem to Illyricum ] Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Romans 2:4Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
This is why we are to do good to one another and what leads a person to truth and then they either believe or they do not
As far as a physical child unfortunately the rod has been spared and the children many have been spoiled today. I remember my niece who was this way, and after she finally gave up and came to belief in Christ she quit those things that were not good for her. But I will always remember what she said to my wife and I. That she never ripped us off during that time of rebellion because we were the only ones that Loved her. I said how is that when I took you over my knee and spanked you. Her reply exactly no one ever before cared that much to do that. I realised right then and there she was spared the rod and became incredibly rebelious with no discipline and was always cudled as a poor girl and thus enabled her to be spiteful seeing how she got her way by having other emotions catering to her. This goes on a lot today here in this world.

 

[homwardbound]

Once many decades ago, Paul Harvey had a little story I will never forget. He told about a woman who always found something good to say about anyone you brought up. One day, a friend said to her, "I bet you could find something good to say about the devil himself." Without batting an eye, the woman reamarked, "well, one does have to admire his persistence".

So therefore let us stay persistent in belief that God has through the cross done everything for us to have life everlasting and upon this greatness focus continuously forsaking flesh thought that only reaps corruption which is what the devil wants one focused on whether they want to it or not and has better accomplishment in getting the beleiver to try and stop sin, bvecause he has got you focusig on sin and thus one reaps sin period the word sow is no differant than thought so cahnge thought and one changes feelings, but most of us are taught to change feelings and no feelings will ever change without the change of thought. this is why we are to renew our minds to and from God's vantage pointnot the worlds
Galatians 6:7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Galatians 6:8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

 

[homwardbound]

The best boss I ever had was the owner of an auto repair shop where I worked for 6 years. He never asked anyone to do anything without a please and thank you and we always felt appreciated. Yes, he would say something if you messed up but he was never mean about it, always understanding.

One year he took a 1 month vacation and while he was gone myself and the manager worked 6 days each week; we painted all the lifts and parking lines. We cleaned out and reorganized the back office and files. This was all because he was a caring, positive person who treated us like we mattered to him and his business. Positive re-enforcement always works better than the negative.

God has caught more flies with Honey than Vinegar

 

[homwardbound]

Lots of "noise" in the world isn't there?
With that said .. Let's look at some things
when Peter cut off the guards ear in the garden .. he was doing it for good wasn't he? I mean he was trying to protect "Jesus" .. and what did Jesus tell Peter to do?
What did Jesus do with the guards ear?
So is it a matter of defending the truth? Or doing what's right?
Peter was doing right , until the very second he decided to swing his sword .. Jesus met him in the middle .. Peter swung His sword anyway ... Jesus then picked up the guards ear and healed Him..
so ... what is best ? Always see good

There is a strong gap between Spirit and flesh, and now see Peter as if we were him doing this then see this from the mans' ear that was cut off WOW!!!!!! if this happened to me my ear cut off and then restored by Christ, I would be anihilated and especially I am sure in my heart that this man did not want to take Jesus to be crucified, I sure would not have wanted to, yet I can hear Jesus saying to this man that please do for this is my destiny, what I am baptised with

 

[homwardbound]

I agree, always remeber to focus on and see good and if there is none to see? We can be hopeful that it's there, some good, somewhere and it will become more obvious. We as Christians can 'model' how we ought to interact together. If as Christians we are not a 'hopeful' people there is something very wrong. We need to be sensible though and be 'safe'. After all, our hope is not in what we can 'see' physically right now, but it is no less real. <><

The only good I see is as christ said
Matthew 19:17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God:
Mark 10:18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

therefore please do not call me or anyone good unless you think I am God? Thank you For i know I am not, the word good can and I think to easily thrown around

 

[homwardbound]

Hi,
In my personal life have come up with a lot of abuse. The human tendency is 'if one slaps you on one cheek, give him on both.' Well, but when we see what Christ has written, to turn on the other as well. If a person can see good that much, guess the person is on the path to perfection. However, we need not be victims of abuse. I remember myself forgiving my dad time and again, but yet he made my life a living hell. So, sometimes it's like people take advantage of Godly children who make them wanna feel good. In short, we need to understand that we are not punching bags for people to just punch us for doing good. There are wives who take abuse thinking it would not be 'good' if the world knows about it what's going on in closed doors. So, I believe we should think good of others and give justice in a 'good' way to abusive people.

Therefore we are to stand in the power of God not flesh for I have seen this power of God straight out stop these type of people but it takes the power of God not please please please, which has doubt in that and is trying not to by please please please. Instead of Thank you you now want to hit the other cheek welcoming it. You see evil gains power by one having and their Spirit showing fear
King Jehosaphat won the war of three other armies that came against him through praises and songs to God read te story Evil turned on itself and destroyed itself

 

[Theophane]

People who see the world through jade-coloured glasses trouble me as much as those who are pure of heart yet dangerously naieve. A cynic is someone for whom the truth is always unpleasant, someone whose heart is leathery.

If it weren't for the love of God in my heart, I would be a misanthrope and a nihilist.

 

[RedTent]

People who see the world through jade-coloured glasses trouble me as much as those who are pure of heart yet dangerously naieve. A cynic is someone for whom the truth is always unpleasant, someone whose heart is leathery.

If it weren't for the love of God in my heart, I would be a misanthrope and a nihilist.

And Christ said: Mat_10:16
"Look, I'm sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves.

Thank you Homward, as you said to always listen for God's voice.

 

[Lucy68]

I've noticed during my lifetime how much people are drawn to LOVING people. Like a magnet. Paul is right....love is the most important characteristic a Christian should have.

You have a good question, Red Tent, about when do you speak? or just listen? or just praise the good things? The Holy Spirit will guide your tongue. But most importantly, a loving attitude is our greatest witness .

 

[Powemm]

Hi,
In my personal life have come up with a lot of abuse. The human tendency is 'if one slaps you on one cheek, give him on both.' Well, but when we see what Christ has written, to turn on the other as well. If a person can see good that much, guess the person is on the path to perfection. However, we need not be victims of abuse. I remember myself forgiving my dad time and again, but yet he made my life a living hell. So, sometimes it's like people take advantage of Godly children who make them wanna feel good. In short, we need to understand that we are not punching bags for people to just punch us for doing good. There are wives who take abuse thinking it would not be 'good' if the world knows about it what's going on in closed doors. So, I believe we should think good of others and give justice in a 'good' way to abusive people.

People who see the world through jade-coloured glasses trouble me as much as those who are pure of heart yet dangerously naieve. A cynic is someone for whom the truth is always unpleasant, someone whose heart is leathery.

If it weren't for the love of God in my heart, I would be a misanthrope and a nihilist.

Very keen points and good ones to make .. I was in an extremely abusive relationship for a very short period , one that almost cost me my life .. a place "I" wandered too because I did not know who I was in Christ at the time.. However such a place acted as a launching pad into another direction .. Back towards Christ.. I agree , there is an imbalance in the extremes of pendulums .. Now when I witness a female going through this .. It is an identifying mark, she dies not know who she is in christ.. All things work together for Gods greater Good..
With that said, even when we are imbalances to a side of extreme, and Lord knows I've been on both sides of these places.. That fine line Jesus drew in the center has drawn me back to a centeredness in Him.. keeping me balanced from wandering off again... at this point in my life. I see no more those places I was once in. be as gentle as a lamb and wise as a serpent .. How do we ever know Wich is Wich if we haven't really experienced or been in either of them ..

 

[pickles]

Red tent, I used to always see the good in people, as I thought this is what we are called to in Jesus.
Then , I was hurt deeply because of this, and broken.
It was then that Jesus showed me that yes we are to look to all that is good.
But when it comes to others, its not about looking for what is good, but seeing them through Jesus with His love.
I began to do this, and suddenly, what they did fell away, I saw the child that God created, and was filled with His love, mercy, compassion and delight in them.
I began to see that it wasnt about seeing good, but seeing the perfect, Jesus in every person, and if they had not yet accepted Jesus, I saw the child lost and in need of His presance and love.
I dont know if I have explained this very well, but good? we all fail some times or stumble, so to seek good , can cause one to judge, and we are not to judge another, just actions.
I believe judgeing goes both ways, good and bad, and this belongs to God.
That we are called to love in Jesus, love the person with the love of Jesus.
Simply because, its not wether another earns our favor, but just as Jesus loved us when we were sinners.
We love because the person is created by God.
In doing this, ones eyes are opened to the perfect and good that is Jesus, and the person, is simply loved and treasured.
Not because of their good, but because they are.
In the love of Jesus.

God bless
pickles