I've been through this too, many times, and the verse that my parents would reference often when I'd be heartbroken about how my vulnerability and trust was broken when I opened up to someone was where Jesus says to not throw pearls to swine. My parents would tell us often that even when it's a testimony, it's not always meant to be shared publicly or freely with just anyone. It can be a hard truth to accept though, especially when you want to assume the best of intentions from fellow Christians especially.
Gosh yes you are so right. That verse has always resonated with me too, unfortunately. 🙈 I don’t think it’s part of God’s original design for us in community, but it is a result of the fall that we have to be cautious about now. 😞
Thank you for reading Denise. You are so right! It’s been a learning process for me to check in with myself and discern if someone is a safe person or not. And it does take trial and error at times, but I’ve found listening to that inner knowing/gut (really the Holy Spirit!) makes all the difference.
Hi Molly, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am sorry that your friend let you down. I can think of times I got carried away with wanting to get something off my chest and ended up regretting it big time. I have also very often been confidante to others at the expense of my own well-being. Both of these, I learned, were not ideal situations. Thank God for the lessons of time and foolishness :) and for his constant patience and redemption. Your post is a good reminder for me - to be a better friend and also to keep letting God be centre in my marriage and friendships and every other relationship or interaction really. God bless!
Thank you for this kind and thoughtful response, Melanie! I could write an entire post about the other side of this like you mentioned--being the one people want to talk things through with all the time at your own expense. That is a tough one too! But yes, I tend to process externally and I'm naturally trusting of others. I've learned to be more discerning over time.
I've been through this too, many times, and the verse that my parents would reference often when I'd be heartbroken about how my vulnerability and trust was broken when I opened up to someone was where Jesus says to not throw pearls to swine. My parents would tell us often that even when it's a testimony, it's not always meant to be shared publicly or freely with just anyone. It can be a hard truth to accept though, especially when you want to assume the best of intentions from fellow Christians especially.
Gosh yes you are so right. That verse has always resonated with me too, unfortunately. 🙈 I don’t think it’s part of God’s original design for us in community, but it is a result of the fall that we have to be cautious about now. 😞
Thank you for sharing your wisdom. There was a lot of depth to the questions you asked.
I’m not sure we can ascertain what a person’s spiritual level is, but for the most part, we can gather the information from the other questions.
Do we feel safe sharing a deeper level of what we feel with this person. Most times we make the right decision.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Couldn’t have said it better thank you
Thank you for reading Denise. You are so right! It’s been a learning process for me to check in with myself and discern if someone is a safe person or not. And it does take trial and error at times, but I’ve found listening to that inner knowing/gut (really the Holy Spirit!) makes all the difference.
Hi Molly, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am sorry that your friend let you down. I can think of times I got carried away with wanting to get something off my chest and ended up regretting it big time. I have also very often been confidante to others at the expense of my own well-being. Both of these, I learned, were not ideal situations. Thank God for the lessons of time and foolishness :) and for his constant patience and redemption. Your post is a good reminder for me - to be a better friend and also to keep letting God be centre in my marriage and friendships and every other relationship or interaction really. God bless!
Thank you for this kind and thoughtful response, Melanie! I could write an entire post about the other side of this like you mentioned--being the one people want to talk things through with all the time at your own expense. That is a tough one too! But yes, I tend to process externally and I'm naturally trusting of others. I've learned to be more discerning over time.