Keep It To Yourself

**Photo of my grandpa's boat shored at Big River, 

Saskatchewan, during a fishing trip in 1984.**

'Mind your own business', 'Bite your lip', 'Don't rock the boat', 'Keep your opinions to yourself'. These are just some of the sayings that we will hear when a viewpoint isn't welcome, prior to it being shared in a group.

But, what if the words you're about to say didn't make up an opinion but a perspective born from years lived and wisdom learned? What if your words were filled with love and concern, expressed through dialogue?

While many, particularly young people, might balk at the mention of the words, "In my experience...", there is something to be said for a timely insertion of well intentioned quips.

Especially if the person wanting to speak up has felt a deep concern and conviction for the person who they see as heading in an unsavory direction. A person you are close to and deeply love.

While the words might come easily and your audience might be rolling their eyes, you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you need to say what's on your heart or risk regret. I have had many situations like that.

Yet, as difficult as it may be to say what you desire to say, you take the risk and express your thoughts as gently and loving as possible. Whether the other party will receive it all in kind is unknown, but your conscience is clear and your heart less burdened.

When you have the opportunity to speak wisdom into the life of someone who may be heading down a road you've been down - knowing the outcome - do it. Love should trump the fear of going against the 'norm' of keeping it to yourself.

Jesus was a man who never kept things to Himself. He always shared the wisdom He had accumulated over His short life from His Father. That wisdom always paid dividends to those who battled with sin - in every form.

If Christ had the courage and conviction to speak out because of His love for others, why not us? Whether it means being disliked or rejected, you never know when what you have to say, might just help the life of another.

Encouragement for the week:

Saying something urgent that's on your heart isn't wrong when it's out of love that you say it. It means you care enough about someone to risk backlash from others.

If you are a Christian reading this, you know that one thing God created you to obtain is wisdom. A wisdom that is well exercised and expressed when given the opportunity to help others. Don't let others shame you out of making a possible difference in a loved ones' life for the better.

If you are not a Christian reading this, you can look for Jesus and you will find Him. A relationship with Christ will enable you to gather the wisdom you wish you always had. You are gleaning it from the One who wants the best for your life. You can trust Jesus.