Saints' Discussion Forums

What criteria do you use as to whether it's a good idea to share a story about a personal spiritual experience with someone else?

I'm curious as to what folks have determined.

When is it a good idea to be reserved, and when should you share?

Well, being a shy type, I wait until the other(s) have shared - then I will. I'll admit, it's easier online than in person, but no matter what I don't know the words to describe most/all of my spiritual experiences very well.

I think it's good to share if it can be of benefit to the person you share it with.
Or if it's troubling it may be a good idea to share it with a good priest (or even lay person) who might be able to explain it for you.

I always feel quite reserved about these matters.

I haven't got a feel for all the factors. One should give glory to God, for His gifts, certainly.

OTOH, there's the danger of people thinking wrongly about the matter if you relate them, misattributing.

It seems to me at times if I've mentioned some grace God has given me, I have lost it shortly thereafter. On the other hand again, if someone requests to know about your personal experiences with a particular devotion and wants to know of anything extraordinary.. might be helped by hearing about the extraordinary side..

Umph. I prefer silence. But I admit I have not got a feel for the factors that matter regarding the subject so that I feel confident about when to speak and not to.

My spiritual director/confessor knows all.
No one else knows anything.   ;)

 :D

Martin I think you've been given a good judgement of these things, because I've always benefited from your stories. :D

Knowing me, I would feel somewhat reticent to mention them to a spiritual director (I don't have one right now). I know that is the priest I should give this information to, but, well ............. ? :-\

Not so Baily. We just fill in the blanks haha.  ;D

Only kidding..  :rotflblue:

 ::) ::) ::)