Christmas Uncheer

(Pro 25:20 KJV)  As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

When we have someone we care about going through a hard time we want to be helpful.  Often we think that being positive and cheerful will help.  Sometimes it does but there are also many times when they don’t want our positive attitude.  They don’t need us to quote Benjamin Franklin or tell about the time we....  What they need is quiet support.

Think about the times that there is really nothing you can say.  You can listen.  You can make the coffee.  You can clean the house.  You also need to give them a chance to allow the Holy Spirit to heal.  This may be doubly true on a holiday like Christmas.

So?  Discernment is hard but we can usually do better if we think about it.  Don’t drown out the Holy Spirit with a happy ditty.