Commit to Memory: “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.” (Proverbs 18:2 NLT)

There is the story of a dog that was so faithful to a woman who had the dog as a pet. This woman could leave and trust her baby with her dog and go to work or perhaps attend to other business outside her home. So, the woman always returned from work to find the baby soundly asleep with the dog committedly and faithfully watching the little baby.  One day, something appalling and terrible happened; the woman as usual left the baby in the hands of her faithful pet (dog) and went to work, only to return and discover her baby’s cot was dismantled, his clothes and nappies turned to shreds with blood stains all over.

Alarmingly, she searched the room and all of a sudden, she saw the faithful dog emerging from under the bed licking it’s mouth as though it had just finished a delicacy. With great rage, she beat the dog to death with a metallic object, but as she continued searching for the “remains” of her baby, she beheld another terrible scene! Close to the bed was the baby who, although lying on the bare floor, was safe as under the bed where the body of a dead snake was. So it dawned on the woman that the snake was torn to pieces in what had been a fierce battle between the snake and the dog which was now dead! Then, the reality dawned on the woman who now began to understand what took place in her absence. The dog fought to protect the baby from the venomous snake but it was now too late for her to make amends because in her impatience and anger,  she had killed the faithful dog.

Friends this is a reflection of how often we must have misjudged people out of costly assumptions and torn them to shreds with harsh words and deeds before we have had time to evaluate the situation. This depicts the presumptuous sins i.e presuming things your way without taking the trouble to find out exactly what the situation really is. The gospel truth and wisdom is to exercise a little patience and understanding that no one is the center of the universe or the ultimate authority on life. Some minor misunderstanding, misconceptions or miscommunication can drastically result in major lifelong mistakes! Little wonder the Bible says in Colossians 3:10, 12-13 NLT that:

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

As reflected in today’s commit to memory, to avoid costly assumption, find pleasure in understanding situations and circumstances that come your way, calm down and listen.

Reflection: Don’t assume about people, take time to get the whole truth.

Prayer Lines: Father, give me understanding to know what to do always and in every situation that I may be led by your Spirit now and always.