We Are All Negatively Biased

Why can’t we pull our attention away from a traffic accident or stop watching the news about the latest bad things that are going on in our world? Why are we waylaid by criticism or unable to get past a minor snub from our best friends?

That’s our negativity bias. We humans have a tendency to give more weight in our minds to things that go wrong than to things that go right -so much so that one negative event can hijack our minds in ways that an be detrimental to our work, relationships, health, and happiness.

It’s something that the News and Hollywood thrives on these days. That’s how they make money and control us.

Have you ever found yourself dwelling on an insult or fixating on your mistakes? Criticisms often have a greater impact that compliments, and bad news frequently draws more that good.

This negative bias is our tendency not only to register negative stimuli more readily but also to dwell on bad events. We feel the sting of a rebuke more powerfully that we feel the joy of praise.

As humans we tend to:

  • Remember traumatic experiences better that positive ones.
  • Recall insults better than praise.
  • React more strongly to negative stimuli.
  • Think about negative things more frequently than positive ones.
  • Respond more strongly to negative events than to equally positive ones.

That’s why the world is in such disarray these days. With all the negative things going on people are effected to the point that the feeling of negativity are just spewing out of us.

This bias toward negative leads you to pay much more attention to the t bad things that happen, making them seem much more important than they really are.

People tend to focus more on the negative as they try to make sense of the world. News and Hollywood are full of negativity these days,which our negativity bias and negative information all around us it will lead to disaster.

We tend to:

Pay more attention to negative events than possible ones. (We have to work more to find the positive in any situation).

We learn more from negative outcomes and experiences.

We make decisions based on negative information more than positive data.

It is the “bad things” that grab our attention, stick in our memories, and in many cases influence the decisions that we make.

Psychological research suggests that the negative bias influences motivation to complete a task. People have less motivation when an incentive is framed as a means to gain something that when the same incentive will help them avoid the loss of something.

This can play a role in our motivation to pursue a goal. Rather than focusing on what we will gain if we keep working toward something, we’re more likely to dwell on what we might have to give up in order to achieve that goal.

Bad News

Additionally, studies have shown that negative news is more likely to be perceived as truthful. Since negative information draws more attention it may also be seen as having a greater validity. This is why bad news seems to garner more attention,

Politics

Differences in negativity bias have been linked to political ideology. Some research suggests that conservatives may have stronger psychological responses to negative information than livers. Some evidence, for example, has found that people who consider themselves politically conservative are more likely to rate ambiguous stimuli as threatening.

Such differences in the negativity bias might explain why some people are more likely to value things such as tradition and security while others are more open to embracing ambiguity and change.

Let’s look at when Donald Trump was president. Gas prices were low, the economy was great, the stock market was booming, but there was negativity being put out about him constantly. Many people focused on the negativity about him, than what good was going on around us. Yes, he hurt people’s feelings when he spoke, but change for America was what we needed.

Everyone seemed to focus on the negativity around him, some even hated him.

Today, we have $5 plus dollars a gallon in gas, the economy is horrible. And the shelves at the grocery stores are empty, we constantly have shortage of something. Some are thriving on this negativity.

The brain’s response

There is Scientific evidence that shows a greater neural processing in the the brain in response to negative stimuli. Studies have shown participants were shown pictures of either positive, negative or neural images. Then researchers observed electrical activity in the brain. Negative images produced a much stronger response in the cerebral cortex than the positive or neural images.

Because negative information causes a surge of activity in a critical information processing area of the brain, our behaviors and attitudes tend to be shaped more powerfully by bad news,experiences, and information.

The Hebrew Alphabet

A while a go I posted that I would give everyone an example of How the Hebrew Alphabet can lead to knowledge of your given name by your parents for your destiny.

So my name is Kathy:

K. Is Kaf in the Hebrew Alphabet which is the 11th letter. If you look at the image above you can see Kaf- the meaning for Kaf are Palm, to open to allow or tame. According to the first letter in my name, with the palm of my hand I have the authority to Stop things in my life or to allow things in my life. I am a very calm person, others around me tend to tame down when I’m around.

A. Is Alef in the Hebrew Alphabet which is the 1st letter. If you look at the image above you can see Alef – the meaning is Ox, Strength, Leader. I am very outgoing. I tend to be stubborn which can either be good or bad. So according to the Kaf and the first letter in my name I am a tame (gentle) leader. I tend to have a lot of strength when it comes to standing up for what I think is right.

T. Is Tet in the Hebrew Alphabet which is the 9th letter but also the number 20. Looking at the image above you can see Tet means Basket, Snake, Surround. So a snake in the basket is charmed. I have a charming effect on people. I have the authority to tame, lead and charm according to the letters in my name so far.

T. Tav is also in my name, which is the 22 letter. Which means Cross, Mark, Sign, Covenant. I have a Mark or sign that I have a covenant with God. God could not keep me from the hardships I have experienced in my life. But I have a covenant with Him.

H. Is Hey in the Hebrew Alphabet which is the 5th letter. Looking at the image you can see it’s Behold, Reveal, Breath. Behold means to perceive through sight or apprehension. I am very perceptive, observant and I always listen to my intuition. Reveal means to show, or demonstrate. I show or demonstrate with right morals and love.

Y. Is Yod in the Hebrew Alphabet which is the 10th letter. In the image above Yod means Arm, Hand, Work, Deed, Worship. Hands or arm in the air means to worship. Work- I’m a hard worker, I never give up because giving up isn’t an option for me. I tend to always do good deed for people around me. I am very caring, and worship/praise God for every thing.

Summary

So, my name is my destiny. I am a very calm person, who either can allow or stop things in my life. I an a Stubborn (Ox) but gentle leader. I can be very charming and tend to tame situations around me. I tend to perceive what is going on with my intuition and am very observant about the things around me. I was not promised a life without struggle as all of us are. I am a hard worker that alway helps or does good deed for the people in my life. I love to worship and praise God.

The book of Psalms in the Bible are prayers for every situation we can experience in our lives. King David worshiped every day. And had 3000 men playing instruments 24 hours a day. David had Praise and Worship around him continually.

The book is Psalms is a instruction book for how to pray. The letters in the Hebrew Alphabet also have numbers attached to them. According to this these are the Psalms I’m supposed to pray everyday.

These are:

Psalms:

1.

5.

9.

10.

11.

22.

There are 26 letters/numbers in the Hebrew Alphabet. So the number 200 would be the 22 letter of the alphabet

It was spoken prophetically over me that I am to be a bridge for people. On who builds people up when they struggle. Because of all of the bad experiences in my life.

A bridge is inherently symbolic of communication and union, whether it be between heaven and earth or two distinct realms. For this reason it can be seen as the connection between God and Man. It may be the passage to reality, or merely a symbol for travel or crossing.

Your personal Psalm will be the number of the Psalm found in the first letter of your name. Example: My Letter is K so my personal Psalm would be 11.

Respond Rather Than React

Whether in an emergency situation or just daily interactions with others learning how to respond, rather than react, can make a huge difference in the outcome of any situation.

What’s The Difference Between Reaction And Response

Reaction is an emotional subconscious decision that is made without consideration for the consequences usually in haste. Commonly referred to as a “knee-jerk reaction.”

Response is the conscious effort to take a step back, breathe, and review the situation, become aware of the present and attempt to figure out the probable cause, and consider the available solutions.

Understanding the difference in reactions vs responses is key to learning how to change old habits and form new habits of responding thoughtfully to situations and avoiding hasty reactions that can result in negative outcomes.

Reacting is a gut response that is often based on fear and insecurities, and many times it’s not the most rational or appropriate way to act.

Much of our lives are spent in reaction to others and the events around us. The problem is that might not always be the best course of action and as a result, they can make other unhappy, and make things worse for us, and make the situation worse.

The truth is, it’s not the most rational way to act. Responding on the other hand, is taking the situation in, and deciding the best course of action based on values such as reason, compassion, and cooperation.

The choice of reacting or responding presents itself to us all the time, whether it’s our mother nagging her child, our co-worker being rude or our spouse not being kind enough., There will always be external events that bother us, but if we learn to respond and not just react , we can make things better and not worse.

Learning To Respond

The main thing to learn Is mindfulness and the pause.

Mindfulness means watching ourselves when song happens that might normally upset us or trigger some kind of emotional reaction. Pay close attention to how your mind reacts.

Then pause. We don’t have to act immediately, just because we have an internal reaction. We can pause, not act, and breathe. We can watch the urge to act irrationally arise, then let it go away. Sometimes that takes a few seconds, other times it means we should remove ourselves politely from the situation and let ourselves cool down before we respond.

Pause and watch the reaction go away.

Consider what the most intelligent, compassionate response might be. What can we do that will help our relationship, teach, build a better team or partnership, make the situation better, calm everyone down, including ourselves.

At first this can be hard. But in time you’ll learn to watch the reaction get better at the pause. Don’t be upset if you mess up- just resolve to be more mindful the next time. Take note of what happened to trigger your reaction, and pay attention when something like that happens again.

Be mindful, pause, then consider a thoughtful, compassionate response.

Vain Religion

The world is full of religion, but this religion Baird little to no resemblance to the truth of the Scriptures. Why? Because man-made religion it’s vain. It is empty. It dresses up nicely and pretend to great power and influence, but inwardly processes no power to change men not to give them life. It is like the “scribes and Pharisees, they are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanliness” (Matt23:27).

The Bible offers this simple analogy. A man that claims religion but cannot bridle his own tongue is adhering to arrange religion. He may believe himself secure and righteous, but he is simply deceiving his own heart. Only thing that can change a man is trusting Christ as Savior.

If I can help somebody as I pass along, in my living room will not be in vain. Righteousness is the quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable behavior that is morally justified or right.

Dr Martin Luther King

There’s nothing better than a church that is socially aware of what’s going on and that is truly guided by biblical principles, that dedicate themselves to the word of God and prayer. It would be utterly foolish to even imply that churches and their belief systems are the root of the problem.

Churches are necessary and useful for the social and spiritual health of God’s people. However, we must understand that churches, and their doctrines , can become an idol and operate under a Pharisees spirit; we try to make our rituals and regulations equal to God. That was the problem with the Pharisees they were putting more emphasis on the rituals an outward appearances then the inward transformation and relationship. So much so that Jesus called them “White-Washed Tombs full of Dead Bones.

Are You Righteous Or Religious?

A service was done by The George Barna Research Institute, that revealed something about religious life in America. According to the survey 94% of America is claim to believe in God. Amazingly out of the 94% only 45% sure that they attend some form of worship on a regular basis. Regular meeting at least once a month. Then of that 45% only 4% so they actually practice their faith daily.

If 94% of people believe in God but only 4% practice their faith what are the other 90% of the people actually practicing? I would venture to say religion.

Religion is defined as an organized system of belief, ceremonies, and rules used to worship God or a group of gods. Wow that sounds familiar. That definition literally makes anything religion. Atheism, the belief that there is no God is a religion. Buddhism, The belief in the false god is a religion. Hinduism, the week in many gods is a religion. I heard someone say once that they practice the religion of Jedism because they believed that the force within them – For those that may not know what a Jedi is it is the main protagonists, the leading character or one of the major characters in a drama movie, novel, or other fictional character in Star Wars. Movie franchise, they are fictional characters of a movie and to develop a religion out of that and anything other than Jesus Christ it’s a sin.

But he who doubt is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith and whatever is not a faith is a sin

Romans 14:23

Righteousness is the quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable Behavior that is morally justifiable or right.- Behavior that is morally justifiable or right.

The Greek New Testament word for “righteousness” Primarily described a conduct in relations to others, especially the regards to the rights of others in business, and legal matters, and beginning with the relationship to God. It is contracted with wickedness, the conduct of the one who, out of gross self-centeredness, never reveres God nor respects man.

Behold, the Lord’s eye is on those who fear him, and those who hope in his loving kindness; to deliver the soul from death, to keep him alive and famine. Our soul has waited for the Lord. He is our help and our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in him because we have trusted in his holy name. Let your loving kindness be on us Lord since we have hope in you. (Psalm 33:18-22).

To be righteous, and biblical language, is to be right or pleasing to God. Pleasing God involves keeping his commandments.

Religion can be external, but righteousness is internal, real, and always from the heart.

Many people today in fifth at the righteousness is the righteousness of Christ which clothes every believer by imputation. It is true that because we are imputed with the righteousness of Christ, we are seeing in God’s eyes as having a righteousness that far exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees because the blood of Christ covers our sins.

Behold, a certain Bible (Torah) scholar stood up and tested him, saying, rabbi, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said to him, what is written in the Bible (Torah)? How do you read it? He answered, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, I love your neighbor as yourself. He said to him, you have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live. But he, desiring to justify himself ask Jesus, who is my neighbor? Jesus answered, I certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, He fell among robbers, They both stripped him and beat him and then departed, leaving him half dead. By the chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him pass by on the other side. By the certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him he was moved with compassion, came to him, bound up his wounds, Pouring and oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him inn and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out Denarii, gave them to the host, and said, take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that point, I will repay you when I return. Now which of the three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers? He said, he who showed mercy on him. Then Jesus said to him go and do likewise.

Luke 10:25-37

Samaritans were considered the lower class, they were literally shunned by the Jewish people. The righteous people look down on them with great disdain and contempt, sound much like religious people today. The story of the good Samaritan is a great illustration of the righteousness of god versus the religious aspect. There is a man lying in the road who has become a victim of violence. Let’s bring this into the more modern aspect of today homelessness, drug or alcohol abuse, homosexuality, and all the other unfortunate circumstances today.

The question is if we see a beaten man, a homosexual, a transient, dirty, smelling, alcohol or drug induced crazy person. The question is are we going to stop whatever we’re doing and come to their aid or help their need, which is to meet Jesus. Are you willing to take a minute your day to minister to a stranger, a friend, a family member? Are you willing to show the love of God to someone who needs it? Are you willing to put self, religion, and whatever else might by hindering you aside, and change somebody’s life? You never know. The life you change might be your own. It is in the moment that you face the situation that you will find out whether you are religious or righteous.

There were three men traveling along the road from Jerusalem to That day that encourage the one lying on the side of the road near death. Three represents fullest Past, Present, Future Death, Burial, Resurrection, Father, Son, Holy Spirit.