I have been wondering something lately. Is it wrong to pull something positive out of something negative? Let me explain. Someone told me a dream about a year ago and I knew that the dream was not directly from God. I took that dream and gave them an interpretation to turn it around and make it something Godly. So I ask again, is it right to pull something positive out of something negative?
I believe the answer is not only an absolute YES, but it is a necessity. I believe that part of the problem with this world is that we are so directed by what problems we face rather than finding the positive in the negative. I believe that it’s actually what God expects from us. If we are to change this world it must come from focusing on the things of God and not the obvious physical things that are so apparent.
For example. One of my friends has a major frustration with a family member because of their pride, and judgmental attitude. You can’t say anything around this person without them needing to tell you how you are wrong, why you are wrong, and what problems you are having. Let me say that the desire to be right is an absolute ruling passion. And I don’t mean that in a positive way. I told my friend that instead of responding to the negative attitude she could speak truth into her life without her even knowing. If my friend can love inspite of her frustration then she will win her family member to truth in God. So my idea for her was to write her everyday or every couple of days something positive about her. I encouraged her to speak something loving and encouraging about this family member. It may not change anything in them, even though I think it will, but it will change something in my friends heart.
That being said I feel an overwhelming yes to the original question. I believe God expects us to find the poison in the world and learn how to develop a cure for all the people affected by it. For every action there is an equal or opposite reaction…How much more true is that in our life? For every action against us we need to respond in an opposite reaction so that they are won over by our love. Let’s heap some coals on their heads…
Romans 12:20 in a couple of versions
But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him. For if he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will pile burning coals on his head.” (ISV)
But, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed.” (Good News)
