So often we spend our time complaining about the faults of others, especially those that are so close to us.  We nag and complain saying if only they would do something or stop doing something things would be better.  I  am very guilty of this and have been trying to change my outlook and perspective on things.  When we focus our attention on changing ourselves and the way we perceive things, it changes how we view others.  If we can stop when we get ready to complain about someone and focus our attention on their good qualities, it changes our perspective.

If we can stop and see them how Jesus sees them, it changes our heart. Satan wants us to see everyone’s flaws and wants us to spend our time complaining.  By complaining it gets the attention off of Jesus and onto our selfish human nature. Do not let the enemy win!

None of us are perfect and we all have qualities in ourselves that I am sure people would wish would change about us.  We are all created differently, with strengths and weaknesses in ourselves this is what makes us unique.  We cannot change anyone, but we can change ourselves and we can change our attitudes.  We can learn to be content, learn to focus on the positive and hope that is more contagious than the complaining and nagging.

It is easy to point out the faults in others, but it is not so easy to acknowledge or point out our own faults.

Today before speaking words that are negative about others, focus on the positive.  See them as Jesus does.  He loves them right where they are, and if we all loved like Jesus, we would not be focused on others faults, but focused on how to love each other and serve each other.  We would be extending grace, and forgiving over and over even if it is for the same thing. Attitudes are contagious, and people will get trapped in vicious cycle of complaining.  Today have a positive, joyful attitude and let that be the one that is contagious.

I still struggle in this area, but by putting this in practice I have seen changes in my heart and hopefully that is extending outwardly as I try to remove the complaining and focus on the positive having a heart full of joy.

“You should love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:39

“A new command I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” John 13:34

“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15