ASSUMPTIONS

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 people tend to live up to our assumptions of them. If we choose to 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.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be, and he will become what he should be.”

The Bible gives many examples of God assuming the best in us before we did anything to deserve it. For instance, 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 single day.

CONSIDER THIS:

The worst distance between two people is misunderstanding.