How does a Christian handle someone who takes credit for something you worked ha

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   lambservantposted 10 years ago

   How does a Christian handle someone who takes credit for something you worked hard to create?
   
   A friend and I are a comedy team. We're just getting started and did a skit and sang a song we wrote at a local fundraiser. We were a big hit, especially the song. The song was set to the tune of another song, but the lyrics we wrote. Another gal is now singing it around the community (which is fine, it's to share with the community) but someone said she is taking credit for writing the song. I am a Christian and want to handle this in a Christlike manner. I have not talked with her yet. If I ask her about it and she denies it, should I make a deal of it or let it go?

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   Link10103posted 10 years ago

   I am not quite sure why you seem to think you being a Christian should dictate how you handle this situation.
   
   If you wrote the lyrics, then obviously you know she is either going to deny stealing them or admit she did and taunt you with proving it.
   
   If she is not gaining money by performing with your lyrics, then really there is not much you can do outside of proving publicly she is a fraud. Either that, or give permission publicly that anyone is allowed to use your lyrics for the sake of the community, not for profit, and make sure there is video of that.

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   Carola Finchposted 10 years ago

   OK, here is my perspective as a Christian.  Difficult situation for sure.  This is based on my experiences with similar situations and wise counsel from friends and pastors. Seeking counsel is a wise thing to do, and lots of prayer helps too.
   
   I think you need to ask her about it in a way that is not accusatory and gives her the benefit of the doubt such as "Someone told me you were taking credit for writing the song my team wrote. Can you explain why someone would say something like that?"  Then base your response to how she answers.  Try to be logical and keep emotions out of it so that she does not become upset or defensive.
   
   Hopefully, she will realize she was wrong and apologize. If not, you can warn her of the harm her lies could cause both of you.  The fact that someone has already caught her in a lie has harmed her credibility as a performer, and could embarrass her and  destroy her reputation.  She seems to be seeking attention for herself and people's adulation, and you know that does not work.
   
   Lies also tend to spin in a way that hurts everyone involved If they are not dealt with.  Before you know it, someone could accuse you of lying when you give yourself credit for your own song!  Our reputations in the community are fragile things - that is why one of the commandments is not to "bear false witness" against a neighbor.  Our reputations are a big deal.
   
   After talking to her, you can feel assured you have done what you could to resolve the situation and have taken steps to forgiving her.  Then you can leave it in God's hands.  If she continues to lie, she is going to shoot herself in the foot in any case.
   
   Congrats on a successful comedy career, by the way.

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      lambservantposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Carola, good things to consider.

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   Ericdierkerposted 10 years ago

   "but someone said that she said (presumably to another) she is taking credit for it"  That would be the epitome of gossip.
   Go to her, with another, and ask for an explanation of the gossip.
   
   I would suggest that she just as likely is not taking credit than she is. Give her the loving benefit of the doubt. Reacting negatively to gossip is near as bad or worse than the gossip. And be careful in dealing with the gossiper in the future.
   
   Remember more than likely it is the gossip that is the problem and not her.

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      JThomp42posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Could not have said it better.

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      lambservantposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Eric that is the most logical answer. Thanks.

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   cjhunsingerposted 10 years ago

   lamb
   
   It would be my most sincere suggestion, that you look to how an Atheist would solve this problem, as they have a tendency to deal with such things with a greater understanding of the human character. You can do that by simply asking your question, without the prejudice that you bring.
   This, however, would not go to the building of fences, barriers and divisions, as it would it seem is your objective or to the illusion, that somehow Christians are, in some divine way, inspired by a godly hand..
   Do you feel that Christians are inferior or superior to the rest of humanity, certainly they are more divisive, as is evidenced by your question.

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      lambservantposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      cj, thanks for answering. I do appreciate your input. It never occurs to me to think one person, let alone one people group is superior or better than another.

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   allpurposeguruposted 10 years ago

   The other answers are good. Regarding your specific question, 1 Corinthians 6:7 seems relevant: "The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be  wronged? Why not rather be cheated?"
   
   So don't make a big deal of it.
   
   Something else I don't see in the other answers is forgiveness. You can either forgive now and quickly get it over with, or you can let whatever hurt and anger you feel fester and grow until unforgiveness becomes a stronghold that will take a lot of time and energy to pull down.

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      lambservantposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      allpurpose, forgiveness is not an issue. If she is doing what the other person says, I don't think it will cause a grudge. If it should I definitely know whom to go to for that as you said. This is not a legal matter either as I don't hold a copyrigh

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