Tattling: Good or Bad?

Have you ever felt betrayed? Has someone let you down? Yep, we've all been there.

So what do we do?

• We can let it go as if it never happened. Not easy, but it can be done.
• We can move it to the back burner of our mind until the opportunity arises to discuss the situation with the person.
• We can chew on it—over and over. And each time feel the hurt deeper which eventually blooms into anger.

Well, this happened to me recently. I'd love to tell you I chose to let it go, but truth be known—I'm doing a little chewing right now and writing about it. I'm disappointed, mildly hurt, and battling some anger.

Exactly who the offender is enters into the equation too. A stranger in a car that nearly hits you will scorch a nerve less than a friend or family member who behaved badly.

There have been times when I've let things go. Moved on without looking back and experienced great relief for doing so. This is a rare occurrence for me.

Usually, I end up chewing on it for awhile and then decide it's only fair to give the person a chance to explain what happened on their end. The problem is every time I hash over the situation again, I come up with a new response. Like if they say this…., I respond with !!!!  or if they dare to minimize their responsibility, I will emphasize their lack of accountability. You get the picture.

But today, I'm going to try a new approach.

I'm going to tattle right to the Boss Man himself. He knows what I feel, what's running through my mind, and whether or not I should even have this on my radar screen. Since He knows both sides of this situation, who better to whine and complain to? Why not share my ugliness with Him? After all, He knows it's there.  And I know He cares since He considers me the apple of His eye.

So I did.

I vented and explained my side. Disappointment, regret, and anger. I asked Him why it happened and told Him how I wanted to retaliate.

And I sensed Him saying—

The other person is the apple of His eye too. He wants me to get over my over-inflated ego with booming feelings so I can be fair and balanced when I clear the air. He longs for unity between us, not division. And He encouraged me to tattle more. He's big enough to handle it. Because He desires me to commune with Him before I spread corrosive words at someone else.

So I took His advice and gently cleared up what turned out to be a simple misunderstanding without anger or ugliness. I feel better that a confrontation was avoided and unity is restored. Yep, there is something to be said about taking it to the Father. To God be the glory. Always.

Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

What about you? What's helped when you've been hurt or betrayed? Have you ever tattled to God before? Please leave a comment and share your experience. Thanks!