What do you know about negativity? Most of us recognize when we or others speak negatively in response to difficult or upsetting circumstances. It sounds a lot like complaining, but it is different. Negativity is a chronic internal mindset and attitude because it views life through a pessimistic, dark lens. Complaining is an outward expression of a specific problem. Complaining can be constructive to bring about good change. Conversely, negativity sees everything as the worst scenario and refuses to focus on any goodness.
Although both complaining and negativity may surround us every day, believers are not called to either attitude or action, because they are toxic to the soul. Being around a negative person will drain the positive energy out of an individual and even a whole group. Even when presented with a positive change, a negative person will choose to view things a certain way.
The negative mind must be rewired, and it is the work of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to open blind eyes and help them see the goodness of God. As Spirit-led children of God, we are actually called to break the cycle of negativity through acts of kindness. Many times we can literally break the cycle of negativity when we choose to extend grace.
In our passage today, Peter speaks to all Christians and focuses on love, humble hearts, and blessings. Negativity produces insults. Grace produces blessings. Every day, we have a choice to speak blessings or curses to people or about situations. Negativity involves empowering a wrong spiritual outlook; it is not of God. Blessings perpetuate the kindness, peace, and goodness of the Savior. May the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit keep our attitudes in check today and our words filled with blessing. It will be a battle, but remember we are overcomers in Christ.
1 Peter 3:8-12 NLT All Christians
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say,
“If you want to enjoy life
and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies.
11
Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
against those who do evil.”[Ps 34:12-16]
Prayer: Lord, we desire to run from negativity and reach for grace today. We choose to see happy days, to turn from evil, and to search for peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.