Stop Jumping!

…To conclusions!

So often today people jump to conclusions before they get the truth. Too many times the conclusion is drawn even before they know the back story of the one whom they are jumping to conclusions about. It could all be avoided though with just a little less talking and a whole lot of listening.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. ~James 1:19

Growing up, I endured this many, many times. My family would regularly believe what someone else told them about me than listen to me. And if I tried to defend myself, to them it only meant I was lying. For me, there was no defense. What a hopeless situation for a young girl to live in. Yet it followed me into adulthood, often sending me reeling into the black hole of depression.

When God healed me, the feelings of hopelessness, depression, panic, and anxiety were lifted off me. I was free from the mental, emotional, and spiritual anguish that kept me in the bondage of intimidation for most of my life. But I still had to deal with the way people treated me. The misjudgment, accusations, and misinformation still exist. In fact, it happens even now, but I am better able to handle it. The difference is that I don’t listen to those who want to tell others “what she’s really like.” I set my boundaries and keep my distance from negative and abusive people.

Society today would rather believe anything than the truth. But truth is greater than fact. The fact is, there will always be someone, somewhere who doesn’t like me (or you) for some reason known only to them. The truth is, God loves us all the time and He is greater.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!His faithful love endures forever. ~Psalm 136:1

The fact is that people will condemn you for things you did in your past, whether you were at fault or not. The truth is that God does NOT condemn you.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. ~Romans 8:1

The fact is that people will refuse to forgive you for anything and everything, regardless of how many times you say you are sorry. The truth is that once you ask God for forgiveness, you’re forgiven…forever.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. …… He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. ~1 John 1:9; Psalms 103:12

The fact is, people will tell you that they received their information from “a reliable source.” The truth is, there is no such thing in society. Your “reliable source” comes from God.

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. ~Psalms 119:114 (emphasis added)

You belong to the Most High God, not to society, not to other people. You especially don’t belong to those whom you are friends with. You belong to God.

And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you. ……. Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. ~Galatians 3:9; 4:7

His Word is the first Word, and the last Word on who you are. Jesus IS that Word. He loves you, He is crazy about you, and He wants to give you the best life you can possibly have. So stop jumping to conclusions, and stop listening to other jumpers, too. Get the Truth, because Truth is always greater than fact.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. ~John 14:6 (emphasis added)

Shelley Wilburn

Shelley Wilburn has been writing since the age of twelve. She loves stories and adventures, and often finds herself getting into mischief with any one of her six grandchildren. She has written several articles and devotionals over the years for various newspapers, women's magazines, and newsletters. She has also co-authored devotionals. Shelley began writing full-time in 2012 after being healed of over 40 years of depression and anxiety. Using her love of writing, and wearing mismatched socks, Shelley has developed a unique ministry of encouraging others using biblical truths and stories from her own personal life. When not writing, you can find Shelley and her husband of over 30 years, D.A. zipping down the road in their newest adventure-maker, a bright orange, Mustang convertible Shelley has laughingly dubbed The Pony.

Karla Akins says:

February 7, 2014 at 2:48 am

I have never encountered as much unforgiveness from folks (toward me and others in my family) as I have in the past year. I think there's a spirit of this running rampant. My son apologized a few days ago to someone in order to try to build a bridge but the person refused to accept the apology. The same happened to me when I apologized a few months ago for something I was not at fault — but the other person believed in their heart I was. She refused to accept my apology. This makes me afraid for these folks because unless we forgive we ourselves cannot be forgiven. Very sad. This is a timely post.

Shelley Wilburn says:

February 9, 2014 at 1:34 pm

How sad it is to be falsely accused, but to be unforgiven for for it hurts even more. We all have that, even I. And you're right Karla, that unless we forgive we ourselves won't be forgiven. Those who refuse to forgive are living in misery and they are blaming the wrong people, when they need to look in the mirror.