Day 3: Digging in: Part II
Take a few moments and think about your average day. How many different people do you see or interact with? Between your home or apartment, classmates, colleagues, and others you may see at the gas station or grocery store, you likely have some form of contact with a few dozen (or more) people every day.
In most of these interactions, you have no idea what may be going on in their lives. You may witness somebody frustrated with a cashier because their credit card was declined. The reality is they’re not frustrated because their credit card was declined. Instead, they’re hurting because they just put a parent or grandparent in a nursing home. You may see somebody weaving in and out of traffic and think to yourself, “They’re driving like a maniac!” But the reality is their son or daughter just experienced a significant injury, and they’re trying to get to the hospital.
To put it differently, we sometimes make up stories about what’s going in other people’s lives. These stories we tell ourselves may be accurate. But on many occasions, we make up false stories that put others in a negative light.
As you read today, consider this: How often do you find yourself making up stories about what others may be thinking or doing?
READING:
Proverbs 19:9; 26:18-19 Exodus 20:16; Matthew 15:18-20
How often do you find yourself making up stories in your mind about what other people may be thinking or doing?
Do you think that making up stories in your mind about what other people are thinking is similar to or different from bearing false witness against them? Explain.
What do you think would be the best steps to take to find out if a story you’re telling yourself is accurate or not?
What have you learned today about the nature and character of God? How will you better reflect His nature and character today?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, today’s reading has revealed to me that there are times when I quickly judge others or their circumstances without taking the time to ask them how they’re doing or how I may be in prayer for them. I don’t want to be a person who makes up incorrect or inappropriate stories about what others may be thinking or doing. Continue to help me see that others may be experiencing tremendous brokenness, and provide me the heart to help them in their suffering. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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