Written by REVELATIONS FOR TODAY by Pastor Michael Obata
Proverbs 18:13 – Amplified Bible (AMP)
13 He who answers before he hears [the facts]—It is folly and shame to him.
Assumptions are things that are accepted as truth, fact or as certain to happen, without proof. One could actually describe it as an uneducated guess. Assumptions sometimes could be as a result of thoughts that suddenly occur in the mind. Assumptions could be positive or negative. As a Christian let your assumptions be positive especially towards one another. The theme scripture clearly shows that negative assumptions should not be found amongst the children of GOD. They are harmful and very destructive. Negative assumptions lead to unwholesome talk (gossip, slander) that causes disunity, strife and can tear down what has taken a lot of effort to build.
Negative assumptions about a person or groups of people causes problems especially when they turn out to be false. The scripture in Galatians 5:16 (AMP) says “ But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. It is very easy to make negative assumptions without even realizing it when one walks in the sinful nature. People have the tendency to make assumptions based on things said or seen, appearances, even from what was heard, or incomplete statements. Because a Christian sister or brother greets you casually because they were in a hurry you assume they are arrogant; after all they just got promoted or bought a house. Negative assumptions reveal a lot about the intents of the heart and the spiritual state of a person. Negative assumptions about others reveals more about what’s in one’s heart than it does about the other person. It’s a sign of spiritual immaturity. Sometimes it’s as a result of low self-esteem or self-righteousness: making oneself look better by making others look bad. Blessed be GOD that has given us models in the scriptures with which to address issues not based on assumptions but based on truths and facts. The bible in Exodus 23:1 says “You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.” Matthew 18:16 says “But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
Negative assumptions are not only about people; sometimes they could be directly about the affairs of one’s life or even the scriptures. The Pharisees made negative assumptions about Christ Jesus (Matthew 12:24). The apostles on the day of Pentecost were filled with the HOLY SPIRIT but accused of being drunk (Acts 2:7-17). People still make negative assumptions about the power of the HOLY SPIRIT at work in people. Some Christians irrespective of the promises of GOD in the scriptures or what they have been taught, still make negative assumptions. They make negative assumptions about not being good or worthy enough of the saving Grace of GOD in Christ Jesus. Sometimes they make negative assumptions about circumstances surrounding their lives that causes them not to prosper or have good success.
Managing your assumptions takes practice and discipline. If negative assumptions are not nipped in the bud they lead to negative thoughts, and then negative imaginations which cause spiritual strongholds. No matter what the challenge is, let your assumptions about situations and people be positive, especially in the household of faith (Christian gatherings). As we continue to dwell in the word of GOD and pray in the spirit, our assumptions about people and life becomes positive. We start seeing things with the eyes of righteousness: THE EYES OF GOD. Hallelujah!!!
Scripture meditation
Matthew 7:1; John 7:24 & 51; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 2 Timothy 3:15-16, & John 8:17.
Prayer
Gracious FATHER let my thoughts, imaginations and the assumptions of my heart be based on your word and I receive the grace to judge and walk in the truth always. IN JESUS Name. Amen!
Confession
I am born of the SPIRIT of GOD; my assumptions are by HIS SPIRIT always!