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Assumptions
This week's focus:
One of the hardest yet most rewarding decisions we can make is to give up assumptions. Human nature tends to automatically assume the worst in others until evidence indicates we can assume the best. The problem is that people tend to live up to our assumptions of them. If we assume the best in others, we will be for them, treat them well, and encourage them. If we assume the worst, our hearts will become bitter, and as the Bible says, a stranger will not share its joy. As face reflects face, they will most likely return whatever sentiments we choose to share.
The Bible gives many examples of God assuming the best in us before we did anything to deserve it. For example, in Judges 6:12, we read;
When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.”
The Angel of the Lord addressed Gideon as a mighty warrior before he was a mighty warrior. God believed in Gideon before Gideon believed in himself. Words of life were spoken over him, and he lived up to those expectations.
We can rest knowing that God assumes the best in us because we are told in His word that, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus sees us as we could be and not how we are. When we belong to Him, we want to live up to His expectations because we love Him so much. In His strength, we can become the person He created us to be.
Since our thoughts will become words and our words have power, may we always think the best, assume the best, and believe the best in others. We are our own worst critics, so when someone speaks words of life over us, it’s medicine for the soul.
Assuming the best is not easy, but the good news is that we have plenty of opportunities to practice every day.
by: Jennifer McAlister, Communications, My Faith Votes
Ephesians 4:2
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
Prayer Points:
Pray: Dear Jesus, Thank you for loving us well. May our default disposition be one of love, hope, grace, and kindness that assumes the best in others.
Think: The worst distance between two people is a misunderstanding.
Act: We've all heard people say it—"don't talk about politics at the dinner table." Generally, this advice is given because people assume the conversations will turn ugly, uncomfortable, and divisive. But what if your logical and reasoned voice is just what someone needs in navigating the current political climate?
Here are 3 questions you can keep in your back pocket to use next time you're gathered around a table and politics come up in the discussion. Sometimes, opportunities to answer these questions may change assumptions made about each other.
- I’d like to learn more about how you feel…tell me about your experiences that led you to come to your opinions and conclusions.
- Media noise often drowns out what is really going on. Here are some facts you might want to know ______ (insert your information here).
- I can see that this issue is really important to you. I would love to share with you what I know to be true.
We want to see God honored in America, and we pray for an unprecedented spiritual awakening.
This devotion was produced in partnership with Every Home for Christ.
This ministry is made possible by the generous support of friends like you.
Thank you for this powerful devotion! Using Gideon is a great example – I pray that we can do this very thing.