ACTS 28:1-6 – “After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.”

THEME OF THE DAY: DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS.  Assumptions; we easily make them. They are dangerous for a couple of reasons.  First, assumptions are based on part truth or no truth.  They are made about people or situations without really knowing the complete story.

A second reason why assumptions are dangerous is that there is a high probability our assumption is not accurate and we will be eating humble pie when we find out the whole truth!  The guilt and feeling of shame over wrong assumptions are painful and may lead to damaged relationships if shared for they become gossip, slander, and character assassination.

In today’s scripture, the native people made a quick assumption on the Apostle Paul. It was entirely wrong and slanderous.  They called him a murderer and would soon discover their mistake.   Notice their extreme. There is the assumption of Paul being guilty of murder because of what they saw. Then, they were proved wrong and declared him a god!  They allowed circumstances to become the sole reason for their false assumption of him.  We do the same thing.  Don’t let observations of someone from a distance lead us to hurtful and likely wrong assumptions about him or her.

So, how do we avoid making assumptions?  Here are at least two safeguards.

First, walk a mile in the person’s shoes before making any judgments or assumptions.  For instance, don’t assume a Christian is backslidden because we may not see them active in church service, or somewhat inconsistent in church attendance.  Enter into the life of the individual.  Love them by involvement.  Get to know them.  We won’t know what is really going on unless we seek them out, and attempt to carry their burdens – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).  The negative assumption we are tempted to make may prove to be so far from the truth, and we won’t know until the law of Christ, the law of love, rules us in their life.

Another way to avoid assuming upon someone is to earnestly pray for the individual.  Let the prayer be something like this, “Lord, I bring to you (name).  I don’t know what is going on in (his or her) life, but You do, may You meet (name’s) needs and draw near to (him or her).  Help me to be a blessing to (name) and open the door for me to encourage (him or her), in Your Name, amen.”  By praying for individuals, we will avoid loveless assumptions and open our heart to minister to the person.  If not in person, certainly by prayer.

Assumptions should be avoided all the time.  When tempted to make them, stop, and apply the practical steps in today’s nugget.  We will save ourselves some grief and even chastisement from the Lord!

PRAYER: Father, forgive me when I easily make assumptions of others in a negative light without knowing their story.

REFLECTION: Assumptions are based on partial or no truth and are acts of loveless presumption.