Devotionals

Dont Conclude Until You Understand

by Robert [Bob] Schaetzle Sr. 
06/26/24
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   Don’t conclude until you understand
               By Robert Schaetzle

He who gives an answer before he hears,
It is folly and shame to him. Proverbs 18:13 NASB 1995

Whether thoughts of another or assumption over any given situation, too often, we’re jumping to a conclusion because of emotional feelings. Learning to not become anxious over any situation, given us from Philippians 4:6-8, takes practice. Learning to hear and obey the ‘Voice of God’s Spirit,’ living in us, will enable one to be slow to react, or draw a wrong conclusion. Better to be better at listening to hear the complete story. All are all subject what  James gives us in chapter one of his letter. (Cf James 1:19-22)

There are situations of too much ‘The Peter personality’, that wants or believes our Lord doesn’t ‘Get it.’
When Peter admonished our Lord, telling Jesus: Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying,
“God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” Mathew 16:22-23 NASB 1995

Jesus was not concerned about hurt feelings, but teaching Peter… God (Jesus) don’t make mistakes! We can be called ‘the Children of God,’ but we still have to grow and learn to overcome the sin nature in us.

Speaking the truth is not always going to come out as a gentle whisper. Truth is what sets us free, (John 8:32) and there are times when it will not always be the way we want to hear it.

My 40 plus years dealing in public service, through a branch of the US Gov’t., we all had to grow and recognize the value of integral honesty and help others accept truth. Circumstances with some of my clients and even colleagues under and over me, we all learned these necessary qualities.

Father, teach us to be better listeners before we speak.  AMEN