Overheard

Isn’t it funny how the things we overhear affect us? Isn’t it also interesting that rumours about us, when brought to us cut us so deeply? How should you react when you discover that someone you were just discussing with a friend also discussed you with that friend? Does the snitch you are now talking to become a good friend because he/she told you what they talked about you? Doesn’t the person you discussed have as much right to be mad at you if they discover that you discussed them?

What happens when you are doing something that you are normally good at and you overhear someone on the side-lines questioning your ability? Which part of you hurts the most when you hear negative things said about you? Is it your ego, your intellect, your heart, or your pride? Does it even matter which part hurts most, as long as something is hurting?

We will all go through some periods in our lives when people say bad things about us. Some of those things will be true; whereas some will be half-true and others will be blatant lies. How do we deal with it when it happens? Do you confront your ‘fan-club’ or do you speak in cursing tones to the Lord and quote Deuteronomy 28:28 as you ‘pray’ for them?

We all know that we also at some point discuss others and say bad things about them. Perhaps we should begin watching our conversation and follow this general principle: if you know something good about me tell others, but if you know something bad about me tell me. By pointing out my areas of fault in a loving and non-judgemental way, you will be helping me to grow and to avoid possible calamities ahead. By telling others about my good side, you will be creating a positive image of me in their minds so that they are tender towards me when I approach them.

Think about it.