3:167 – When You Assume

#faithbites #faithjourney assume

The old saying goes, when you assume, you make an ass out of u and me. They also say actions speak louder than words.

Lately, I have seen so many people assuming intention based on actions or perceived actions. I myself assume too often about why someone is doing what they do. Sure, if there is a pattern of actions, we can make a better assumption, but we still don’t know for sure.

That is why, I try to seek understanding first. I want to know why someone is doing or saying something even if I don’t like it.

How do you know what someone is truly thinking. The only one who knows for sure is God.

Scripture

• Proverbs 25:8 – Do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?
• Deuteronomy 17:13 – And all the people shall hear and fear and not act presumptuously again.
• 2 Peter 3:16-17 – As he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.

Reflection

As Christians, believe God’s word is true. We don’t need assume what he wants. We are clearly told that people will twist and turn scripture to meet their needs. God also tells us not to act presumptuously. He is very clear in that we should understand the facts before “bringing our neighbor to court”.

While most of us don’t actually take our neighbors to court, we do in the realm of social media and in person. We cast judgement without knowing the intent of the person.

I know it’s hard to ask the deep questions to understand. It’s very easy to use your own experiences to cast judgement. Take a second to understand the true intent. You may be surprised on the reason and be able to build a new relationship.

Challenge

Find one thing or one statement that you disagreement. Ask the person, in a kind way, why they believe what they do. You may not always get an answer you like and some won’t be kind. If it doesn’t work with one person, try another. Build understanding.

Prayer

Lord, help us to figure each other out. Life is hard and we often assume the worst about others. When we hear things we don’t like, we act before seeking to understand. Give us your patience to not assume and to seek the person’s intent. Let us leave the judging to you. In your name, Amen.