do you know what you are sowing...

"Wow, you are so patient to wait for your husband to get that project completed, I could never be so patient...." The Seed: Discontentment (Ya honey, when are you going to get this done - now that I think about it, I DO care!

"So, what is that music you have playing? Ya, I've never really gotten in to that group..." The Seed: Bitterness (Thanks a lot - I thought we were friends - why would you say that?)

"Cute pacifier, I never allowed my children to have one, I don't like them or they don't need them..." The Seed: Doubt (Maybe I DON'T know what I'm doing...)

You've decided to do WHAT with your child's education? You are having HOW many (few) children? You allow them to eat, don't let them have... The Seeds: Doubt, Bitterness, Discontentment - and more -

"I really admire that you work, I could never leave my kids like that..." The Seed: Doubt or Discontentment (If only my husband made enough to support us - or maybe I am a bad mom)

"I can't believe all that you do for your husband, I could never be married to someone like that..." The Seed: Discontentment (No kidding, I shouldn't be such a doormat - I should put my foot down and demand my rights!)

"I used to think you were...., but now I really like you..." The Seeds: Doubt or Bitterness - and most likely, heartbreak or humiliation...

"Nice skirt, I tried that on and decided they pretty much don't look good on anyone..."

WHAT?!?!?! Was that a compliment? Then why do I feel so lousy?!

I didn't make up any of these comments and I routinely hear Christians make remarks like these to one another. Often an insult dressed in a compliment - but not always! I have no idea why this has become so acceptable, and it seems prevalent in all circles - But WOW ~ it can be so extremely demoralizing and often really tears people down ~ and because it can be subtle, I think sometimes people don't even know why they feel so bad, just a small dose of poison...

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19

Maybe this applies in this situation, maybe it is not always a person who articulates themselves with many words for a single thought, but rather someone who doesn't seem to hesitate to speak ~often ~ and about everything ~ who has an answer or a comment at the ready, who routinely interrupts or rewords things for another person - or someone who voices their opinion without the benefit of a 'filter' - without a pause to consider the damage they may do by voicing their unsolicited advice, commentary or thinly veiled criticism... I even think maybe these people are often blissfully unaware...

But ~ ignorance does not absolve one of the guilt. So I would ask ~ if you are someone who eagerly shares your opinions and comments - do you know what you are sowing????