HASTY CONCLUSIONS

Matthew 7:1-6

It’s easier to jump to negative conclusions about people than it is to assume the best about them. But the faults we see in others are usually a reflection of our own. Bishop Potter "was sailing for Europe on one of the great transatlantic ocean liners. When he went on board, he found that another passenger was to share the cabin with him. After going to see the accommodations, he came up to the purser’s desk and inquired if he could leave his gold watch and others valuables in the ship’s safe. He explained that ordinarily he never availed himself of that privilege, but he has been to his cabin and had met the man who was to occupy the other berth. Judging from his appearance, he was afraid that he might not be a very trustworthy person. The purser accepted the responsibility for the valuables and remarked, ‘It’s alright, Bishop, I’ll be very glad to take care of them for you. The other man has been up here and left his for the same reason’" (H.A. Ironside, Illustrations of Bible Truth).

We need to make sure we have all the facts before we speak and guard ourselves against making snap judgments about people. The standards we use to judge others will be used to judge us.

Don’t be too hash with the man who sins, nor pelt him with words of stones, unless you are sure, yes doubly sure, that you have no sins of your own.