Evil surmisings
We all mess up with our words at times, and none of us can claim a perfect track record with what we’ve said. The Bible underscores this fact. “For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well” (James 3:2). The Message Bible says it this way: “We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths.”
Because of this, the Psalmist prayed, “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
Sometimes doctrinal differences become the topic of conversation between you and order viagra pills canada another believer. This doesn’t have to spin out of control into strife. We all have differences with one another–sometimes on points of doctrine. The apostles held rational discussions concerning serious deviations in doctrine that were being preached when the Church was in her infancy (see Acts 15). By tackling these issues head-on, they were able to be proactive, and they brought clarity to the generic levitra confusion hitting the early Church.
However, discussion and debate without principled desire for truth and the genuine good of the other person will quickly deteriorate into selfish maneuvering to be right. The Apostle Paul showed great disdain for such wrangling about words. In 1 Timothy 6:3-6, he described the individual who flat-out refused to hear sound doctrine. “He is conceited and understands nothing, but has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words.” Envy, strife, abusive language, and evil suspicions permeate this kind of undisciplined, self-promoting wrestling match (see 1 Timothy 6:4).
But unfortunately, that’s not the only time envy, strife, abusive language, and evil suspicions crop up in the Church. When you think someone is wrong about anything, big or small, take it to the Lord in prayer and guard against suspicious thoughts gaining control of your mind, heart, or behavior.
Evil suspicions are also called evil surmisings in the KJV. When you surmise, you infer something without having sufficient evidence to support your suspicion. You come up with a conclusion based on unfounded feelings.
When you develop a “me against you” or an “us against them” mentality, there’s a very good chance you’re entertaining evil surmisings.
When you think someone doesn’t like you and you “know” what they’re thinking, there’s a good chance you are entertaining evil surmisings.
When you hear yourself saying things like they think they’re too good for me or they always ignore me, you are probably entertaining evil surmisings.
Entire fellowships have been destroyed because of evil surmisings spoken as fact. These juicy tidbits of suspicion have an uncanny way of undermining the lives of good, solid people. God does not take lightly the wreckage of lives devastated by even one whisper of evil surmising.
Stand against anything that would bring dishonor to the name of another believer. Don’t give the devil an opportunity with words of insinuation; refuse to be a party to promoting unsubstantiated evil surmisings, and flee from stripping a fellow believer of his or her dignity before others.
Run from the assumption that you know the thoughts and hearts of those around you. If you recognize you’ve fallen into this snare set for you by the devil, cry out to God for mercy and viagra super fluox-force usa online repent—the quicker the better!
None of us have lived a flawless life, including you. Therefore, instead of evil surmisings, give mercy, freely and from your heart. Make mercy your habit; make it your lifelong passion. You will never regret it.
“For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 2:13
“There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18