299 – Accepting at Face Value or Intentions Matter

#faithbites #faithjourney Intentions

Have you ever said something well-meaning, but someone took it the wrong way? How about when you said something, but others tried to pick it apart when what you meant was pretty obvious? In the past few days, I have had many of those situations. A simple Facebook post, a brief conversation, or a sentiment that wasn’t shared. The funny thing is that when we pick apart what is said, rather than trying to understand the whole sentiment, we all lose.

I’m not saying we should agree with what someone says. I’m saying we should look at what they said in whole and try to find the meaning. If we don’t understand then we ask for clarification. Once we have the clarification, we can judge our response on the intent of the message, not necessarily every little word.

Scripture

• For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Reflection

I chose this verse as it shows us many things. First, the word of God lives in us. Second, it carries all things. Third, it knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Many times, we hear someone quote one verse of scripture and believe the Bible revolves around that one. Or when people have a battle of scriptures both trying to undercut the other person’s understanding. The thing about the Bible is it needs to be looked at holistically, from the point of view of the writers, and what was going on during that time. To pull just one verse and rest an entire argument on it, can make you miss the true intention.

When you talk to someone and they use a wrong word, try to understand what they meant. Maybe give them a better word in private that more clearly explains what they were trying to say. Try not to nitpick at every word and judge what they meant by a misplaced word.

Our country is filled with enough hate and division based on words. Many intended, many are not.

Charge

Be willing to listen to what is said. Try to help the person, in private, get their message across better. Understand that words flow and mean different things to different people. A wrong word choice, in many cases, is just that. The speaker thought they were getting their point across. Be the friend who helps and don’t tear down. Words matter for sure, just sometimes a wrong word is an accident, not on purpose.

Lord, give me the right words when I speak. Help my intentions to be clear in everything I say and do. When they aren’t, help me be open to others suggestions. Help me to do the same in return.