What do you think of when you hear someone use the word “venting?” I’m sure just about all of us have had the experience of stopping mid-sentence in a conversation and saying something like: “I’m sorry for venting” or “I know I’m just venting.” Statements like this capture the tension we find ourselves trying to navigate as Christians. We have a complicated relationship with expressing ourselves this way. On the one hand, it feels instinctual and necessary to be able to speak freely and unfiltered about our disappointments and frustrations. On the other hand, we are acutely aware that our verbal expressions can easily go awry and we typically need to apologize for doing it.
Speaking honestly and openly seems both necessary and precarious. So then, how are we to share our stronger thoughts and feelings? Is venting legitimate, constructive, healthy, and faithful? In short, is it ok to “vent?” Scripture offers a nuanced response. It gives permission, admonishes caution, and provides direction. It gives permission for honest expression, caution to avoid harm, and direction to express your heart to God. The resulting outcome is something close to “venting” but yet something qualitatively different. It retains its unfiltered nature
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