Overcoming Complaining, Gossiping and Slandering.

    The Holy Spirit has recently been convicting me of my sin of complaining, gossiping and slandering. It's hard to admit that in writing, and knowing that people will read this and know the truth. Yes, I could choose not to post this blog. But I love my blog and want to share the things that God is working on in my heart, and so I'm being brave and vulnerable and sharing. I also share to encourage those who read this that they are not alone in their struggles.

    As believers, we are called to confess our sin to each other, and then pray for each other. I'm not necessarily asking for your prayer, but I am confessing this area of sin in my life. It actually took me a couple of days before I told hubby about this recent conviction. I've been super quiet at home recently, which is unusual, and he was worried that something was wrong. He was and is so proud of me for admitting this area of sin in my life, and is likely looking forward to the change that God is doing in me, as am I.

    I work in a factory , which can be a breeding ground for all of these things, so it can be easy to get caught up in all of it. Plus, there have been some changes in management recently, which has brought on some stress. But neither is an excuse for this bad behaviour, and I will be watching my tongue a whole lot more from now on.

As believers are called to be set apart, I need to walk more in that. Out of everything I write about and share, this area of struggle feels like the hardest to admit to. I think I'm part it's hard to admit to because I wonder what people will think of me. I have to remind myself that at the end of the day, the only opinion that matters is God's, and then mine and my husband's and right now all three of us are proud of me. So I guess that's all that matters. Which I suppose sounds prideful, it wasn’t intended to.

    What does this all look like going forward? Well, I'm quieter for one thing. Which was scaring poor hubby. In the past, when I was quiet, it meant that I'm mad, and then he has to ask me several times over why I'm mad, and then I finally tell him, but instead of just telling him, I expode. So understandably, he was a little concerned. We are both getting used to this new reality. I have also noticed that I have more peace in my spirit and soul. It also means that I have to figure out my thoughts a little more than before, but I believe it's good and helps me practice self-control. Which is a fruit of the Spirit.😉

    Now that I'm practicing not complaining, I expect that I will be less pessimistic and more optimistic. In reality, complaining, gossiping and slandering don't help anyone. All they do is hurt people, and I don't want to hurt people. I want to embrace God's love for me and share it with those around me. Mom and I were on the phone visiting while I walked Blessing this afternoon, and she instantly noticed that I sounded really good. Like I’m doing well. I told her that I was doing very well. It didn’t hurt that I had a great day, but overall, my Spirit and soul feel lighter, and I feel more peace. For which I praise God.

    I pray that this encourages, challenges and blesses you in whatever way you need today, friend. I pray that if you do struggle with any of these things, you would turn away from them and feel the peace and freedom that I am now enjoying.

God Bless

~Hannah

Heading down a fresh new beautiful path with God.