Jan 1, 20242 min read

Day 258 - Jumping to Conclusions: The Temptation to Assume Without Full Knowledge

It hurts us to jump to conclusions about others.

Why are many guilty of jumping to conclusions without knowing the absolute truth? It seems that many of us, perhaps everyone, have the poor habit of thinking we know or understand something or someone, though we do not. Who has never formed a thought just by looking at something or someone or hearing someone speak their thoughts? Why do we so quickly become biased? Perhaps this is a tool Satan uses against us. Does he look for that weakness in us and then choose something about the person to use as encouragement so that we allow ourselves to form initial judgment? At that point, we grow a wall in our minds that keeps us from seeing the truth. This may keep you from growing in some way that you would benefit from or helping when help is needed. It may keep you from acting in a Christian manner. There could be significant consequences. Imagine a whole life where we deny ourselves the potential others may have in our lives.

Prayer:

Holy Lord, I pray that you help me be open to everyone around me. Enable me to sense their need and to restrain any decisions about the person. May I learn only to see their beauty as Jesus did; he saw truth yet did not think badly of others. He understood their honest nature and judged that. Please enable me to wear rose-colored glasses at all times. I would rather be wrong than miss the joy, love, and opportunities others will bring into my life. I know you will protect me, and I trust no permanent harm will fall on me because you are there. Lord, thank you for favoring me with strangers in my life. Bless me and them through me forming no judgment and serving them in whatever way you feel best. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen