What your eyes have seen, do not bring hastily to court, or what will you do afterward, when your neighbor puts you to shame? Proverbs 25:7b-8, TLV
Do You Make Wrong Assumptions? One of the most embarrassing and sometimes humiliating things we can do is to make a public assumption that is incorrect or wrong. I have been guilty of such a feat of stupidity, and I’ve been the victim of such an accusation. Neither feels real good.
An assumption happens when we’re reactive. We see or hear something and react based on what we think is a person’s motive or intent—especially when we perceive it as an attack. Then we carry that assumption into what we recognize as fact.
Assumptions are Not Discernment
Assumptions weaken our discernment muscle, because assumptions are not discernment. If we actively assume and realize we’ve made a mistake in that assumption, then it’s probably time to address this with the Holy Spirit.
Once that assumption goes public and then publicly
disproved, how is that any different than gossip? Or worse, lying?
If we see or hear something that disturbs us, but we have no proof of motive or action, we can either react or ignore it.
Or we can ask our Heavenly Father for His:
- wisdom,
- knowledge,
- discernment, and
- understanding. Then,
- seek out counsel and confirmation whether this information is for prayer only, or if further action is necessary.
As someone who has been a perpetrator and victim, this is wise indeed.
