Q: What does the Bible say about bad presuming about one another?
A: When we make a presumption about another person it is usually based on first impressions, stereotypes and outward appearances. There are only two possible outcomes when we engage in this type of behavior. First, the person we are judging is better than we are which is self-condemnation. Or, two, the person is worse then we are which self-righteousness. Both do not come from God, but from the devil. Scripture tells us that there "is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God (Romans 3:10-11)." Therefore, we can conclude that nobody is better than another person, especially in the eyes of God. We may on occasion boast before men about what we have accomplished or obtained, but that is just our pride at work. And pride is the opposite of unconditional love which says not to boast. Furthermore, we are told to "not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment (Romans 12:3)." What is thinking of ourselves with sober judgment if not to remember that if it were not for the grace of God we would be hopeless?
In most instances when we make a presumption about another person we judge them up against the standards we hold ourselves accountable to. As far as religion is concerned we will treat another person the way in which we feel God is treating us. Therefore, if someone is not living in accordance to the rules and regulations we deem acceptable, their "disobedience" is met with condemnation. Conversely, if we believe another person is living in a manner acceptable to us than their "obedience" is applauded. However, the "LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)." If we are honest with ourselves we must admit that our behavior is not always consistent with our attitudes. And we would be hurt, angered and dismayed if someone was to incorrectly make a presumption about us based on these moments. Because of this we should be careful not to be guilty of doing to others that which we don't want done to us. This can be difficult to do at times because we all have a tendency to believe that what we are doing is right regardless of whether or not that is true. While we may have the best of intentions when we are making presumptions about others they are not often received that way.
"When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple (Acts 9:26)." Shortly after the conversion of the Apostle Paul, he went to Jerusalem to meet with the other disciples, but they were not quick to accept him. Why? Because all they had known about Paul, up to this point in time, was his violent persecution of Christians. However, as they would soon find out, they presumed incorrectly about him. Paul went on to write most of the New Covenant letters we cherish to this day and even died for the faith. Now, not all situations are as drastic as the example of Paul and the disciples, but the point about presumptions is clear. For most of us, we make presumptions about others based on brief encounters with them or the descriptions about them others have given us. This is far from enough evidence to make a clear and honest determination about another person. Jesus talked about the presumptions made about Him by others. "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners (Matthew 11:19)." Those who said this about Jesus were as mistaken about Him as anybody could get. Despite His wisdom, miracles, sinlessness and fulfillment of prophecy, we see the Son of God denigrated as a glutton and drunkard! If we see this false presumption made about Jesus by people who were eyewitnesses to His life, what does that say to us about making presumptions about others?
When an opportunity to make a presumption about someone arises we would do best to listen to the instructions of scripture. "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you (1 Thessalonians 4:11)." It doesn't serve any point to judge others because all it does is lead to divisions amongst those involved. And, if by some chance our presumption proved accurate we, as Christians, should be the ones to go restore a person by guiding them to the truths surrounding Jesus Christ. That is difficult to do when we are guilty of passing judgment on them. James 1:19 encourages us to be "quick to listen" and "slow to speak." It is best to keep our opinions to ourselves until further information is available. Normally, when we make a presumption about someone it is in a negative context. Therefore, if we have an interest in another person we should go to them, in love, and inquire in a private manner about what we are feeling about them. In this way, we may be able to confirm or deny what it is we are feeling about them, win them over as a friend and be used by the Lord to be a witness for Him. Therefore, in conclusion, we should not be presuming about others whether good or bad. Rather, we should ask ourselves if we would like to be presumed about and then act accordingly towards the individual in question.
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