So often, we take a piece of advice because we’re afraid of offending the person who gave it to us.
But what if it’s unsolicited? What if, after careful prayer and discernment, we realize it’s not good for us?
Even to the best of us, we might feel guilty. We might feel ashamed, even, for not fully accepting advice from people we love or respect.
But we forget, that if we take advice out of fear, something curdles in the relationship. If the advice is expired or doesn’t apply to our season of life, it’s okay to appreciate another person’s good intentions, say a polite thank you and put it away.
I am learning- that while it’s so important to honor someone when you receive their advice by acknowledging the best of their intentions, it’s just as important to honor yourself with what you do with that advice.
And here’s this liberating truth for you- it’s better to thank someone for their good intentions and set boundaries about what their advice does to you, than to take their advice without discretion and brew with resentment.
Inversely, the next time you feel tempted to jump in to give unsolicited advice, why not pray instead?
Pray God speaks to them.
Pray their hearts be softened.
Pray their eyes be opened.
Because let’s not force a gift that nobody wants on someone. Especially when we know how that feels.
I’m learning, too.