Poem: To Address or Let It Go

It’s bothering me,
Something said or done,
Don’t know whether to address,
Or let it go.

What if it hinders our relationship,
Causes more issues,
Closes off communication,
Unnecessary hurt feelings?

It could be an opportunity to grow,
In a difficult circumstance,
If we jointly work together,
And learn to love deeper.

With prayer I examine my heart,
Asking a series of questions,
That help me better choose,
A mutually beneficial path.

Why is this bothering me?
Am I just being too sensitive?
Is it a matter of judgment, 
Or something sinful?

Am I convicted to speak?
Is it worth the potential conflict?
How can I best exhort them,
And enhance their life?

How am I flawed?
What is my weakness here?
Are my intentions good?
Do I need repentance?

Am I assuming their bad intentions,
Not really having the details?
What stories am I my telling myself,
That may not be true?

Is this an ongoing issue,
That could escalate later?
Is there a shared purpose,
To promote common respect?

Can I be open to listen,
To their perspective,
Without becoming defensive,
In considering their words?

Can I just move on,
Not hold any ill feelings,
Put it behind me,
By releasing it to God?

I keep praying for discernment,
Then make my best decision,
And do whatever it takes,
To make it right.

Sometimes the answer,
Is not always so clear,
To have that conversation,
Or let it go.

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. ‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5:14‬

Prayer:
Father of heaven, thank you for the valuable relationships that I have here on earth, even the ones that continually test my character. When things become bothersome, please help me to see more clearly what I need to address and what needs to be let go. I know Your will is for me to be patient as I warn the unruly, comfort the fainthearted, and uphold the weak. I will do this as I also test my own heart to see if there is any weakness, selfishness, or wicked intent when I am disturbed over another’s words or actions. In whatever decisions I make, I will always do what it takes to make it right. Forgive me for my faults and in any ways that I am not encouraging someone else to walk by Your will. I strive to be the person who lets go of menial matters so as not to be clouded from seeing the big picture of what’s most important. Test me, try me so that I may better disern these things. Amen.

Truth in love,
Heather