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Stop Jumping!

…to conclusions!
(revised from original post from 2014)

So often today people jump to conclusions before they get the truth. Too many times the conclusion is drawn even before they know the backstory of the one about whom they are jumping to conclusions. Although, it could all be avoided 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. Family members and peers would regularly believe what someone else told them about me rather than listen to me. If I tried to defend myself, it only meant I was lying. There was no defense for me. What a hopeless situation for a young girl to live. Only, 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 growing-up life. Only, I still had to deal with the way people treated me. The misjudgment, accusations, and misinformation still exist.

Even now, it happens, but I am better able to handle it. The difference is that I don’t listen to those who want to say, “I know what she’s really like.” I have set my boundaries, and keep my distance from negative and abusive people.

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. ~ Romans 16:17, NKJV

In this day, society 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 whatever 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, people will condemn you for things you did in your past, whether or not you were at fault.

• The truth is, God does NOT condemn you.

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

• The fact is, people will refuse to forgive you for anything and everything, regardless of how many times you say you’re sorry.

• The truth is, 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 they received their information from “a reliable source.”

• The truth is, there is no such thing in society. Your reliable source comes from God – and His name is Jesus.

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

You and I belong to the Most High God, not to society, not to other people. We especially don’t belong to those with whom we are friends. We 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 (emphasis added)

His Word is the first Word, and the last Word on who we 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)

Blessings to you, dear friends!

Shelley Wilburn is more than an accomplished writer, speaker, author, and minister. She is the founder and president of Walking Healed Ministries, an organization that ministers to and helps those who suffer depression, anxiety, as well as emotional trauma and abuse, to find hope and healing through Jesus. Shelley is also a professional, freelance editor having most recently founded her business, Mountain Joy Publishing, where she instructs and coaches new writers, helping them see their dream of becoming an Indie Author (self-published). Shelley is the author of six books, including Walking Healed and its companion Bible study of the same name. You can find Shelley’s books right here in our online store, as well as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other online outlets. However, if you want an autographed copy of any of Shelley’s work, we invite you to shop our online store at https://shelleywilburn.org/index.php/store/.

For Writing and/or Editing Information: If you dream of writing a book, but need help, email Shelley for information regarding her writers coaching program. If have written a book and are in need of a professional editor (every writer needs a professional editor), email Shelley for information regarding her editing package. You can find her at mountainjoypublishing@gmail.com.