My pastor made a statement a while back that still sticks with me: “Negative people attract negative comments.”

He went on to say that if you hear people complaining, criticizing, bad-mouthing often, it is most likely because those people hear you doing the same.

Made me think.

The first person I thought of wasn’t a complainer. Actually, she is the exact opposite. My friend, Gina, works with me. Gina is one of the most positive people I have ever met. She always has a smile and always has something good to say. Sometimes I go out of my way to pass her in the hall just to be encouraged. She is just that kind of a person.

And you know what?  I would never, ever think of being negative with her. Why? Because, when you’re around Gina, you want to be positive. You want to find the good in people. Just like she does.

I was challenged by my pastor’s comment to look for what is good, not pick out the bad. To love the way Jesus does – lavishly, mercifully. He knows we are flawed, but He loves us anyway, and He offers to help us become better, more like him.

It isn’t the power of positive thinking I’m promoting. But it is the power of positive living — made possible by the power of God working in our lives and touching those around us.

“Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.” Eph. 4:29, The Message