Romans 12:12

12 Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time.

Toxicly Positive

If people quote the first part of this verse, it misses the full context. Then we risk sliding toxic positivity. If you haven’t heard the term before, it describes an obsession with positive thinking that demands people put a positive spin on all experiences – even profoundly tragic ones – while silencing or dismissing negative emotions. Some Christians will push through this as a way of saying to just pray and you’ll feel better or that the claim that ‘God’s ways are always good’ can be misused to make people think God intended their suffering. We need to help people recognize the hope that does still exist, while also feeling through what we need to feel. To recognize that life is also about the highs and lows, and the balance that comes from it.

Troubles Had by All

It’s the same thing that goes with troubles. Christians, I feel, tend to avoid the difficult feelings of letting someone talk about their struggles. It’s hard and can be uncomfortable to be in this position, depending on what you’ve experienced in the past. However, we must start to work towards breaking down walls and stigmas that tend to separate us. Our goal should be to build bridges and break down walls so that we can start to build our relationships based on our humanity instead of the things of this world. Remember God looks at the inner parts of our heart and soul. The world is what focuses on the outer parts. 

Prayers for All

At the end of the day, we should pray. For guidance. For wisdom. For strength. For good health. For faith to continue on. For hope in good things to come. For peace. For patience. The list could go on and on. We need to communicate with God how to navigate through life, through work, through family, through relationships, and more. Our communication with God gives us the greatest understanding of who God is, what God wants us to do, and how He wants us to do it. Keep it simple. Keep it easy. Talk with God like you would a friend, a partner, a parent – someone who is deeply present with you, for you, and in you. 

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Do you pray at all times? Is it more prayers about joy or prayers about pain and struggle that you share? 

Next series: Exploring God’s Compassion || Who is God? #1