Have you ever assumed something to be true, only to find out later you were wrong? Maybe someone told you something negative about another person, and you believed it without knowing all the facts. We’ve all been there. Sometimes, people throw stones at you based on how others feel about you, not who you truly are.
I remember one day at the gym. While working out, I noticed this guy staring at me. At first, I let it go, but his stares grew more intense, so I decided to confront him. Why are you staring at me? I asked.
His response shocked me. What makes you think I’m staring at you? he said. I happen to be looking in your direction, but I wasn’t focused on you. I just have a lot on my mind.
Immediately, I apologized. He was right. I had made an assumption without knowing the truth. Sound familiar?
That day, I was reminded of an important lesson: perception is not always reality.
Assumptions are dangerous, especially when they lead to harmful words. How many times have we judged someone—a family member, friend, or coworker—without knowing their full story? We may hear a negative report and accept it as fact, spreading that opinion through gossip or careless words. But those assumptions can tear people down.
Think about a time when someone spread something untrue about you. It hurt, didn’t it? Words, once spoken, cannot be taken back, and they can do real damage. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that the tongue has the power of life and death. We can either speak life or destruction over people.
Before you make an assumption or pass along a negative report, pause and ask yourself: Do I know the full story? Am I honoring God with my words?
Gossip can feel harmless, but it’s deadly. Sometimes we don’t even realize we’re doing it. It starts with a casual observation or sharing what we’ve heard, but these small moments can snowball into bigger issues, creating misunderstandings and hurt.
Negative talk not only hurts the person being spoken about—it harms us as well. It can poison our hearts, damage our relationships, and distances us from God. When we speak ill of others or spread unverified rumors, we aren’t walking in love or truth.
This message isn’t just about how others treat us—it’s also about how we treat others. How often do we speak without fully understanding someone’s situation? Whether it’s a family member who seems distant or a coworker who acts difficult, we can be quick to label without knowing their struggles.
We have the choice every day to view people through the lens of grace. The way we speak about our friends, family members, and coworkers reflects what’s truly in our hearts.
There will be times when we say or think things about others that may or may not be true. But in those moments, we need to ask ourselves: Is God pleased with how I’m speaking about this person?
Next time you’re tempted to make an assumption or believe someone’s negative opinion, pause. Take a step back and ask God to show you the truth, not just about the other person, but also about yourself.
All of God's children are all wonderfully made in His image, including those we’re tempted to speak negatively about. The next time you hear a negative report or are tempted to label someone, be the one who rises above. Choose to reflect the heart of God by speaking truth, kindness, and hope. You have the power to uplift, inspire, and heal with your words.
Step boldly into that truth, and let your words be a beacon of light in a world that desperately needs it. You were made for this.
