Context – It’s Really Important
It’s interesting how many people twists lines and phrases said by people and run with it for their own agenda.
When people speak, you have to listen to everything the person says. Not just the line that stung. You need to think. You need to ask questions. You may need to counter and ask for clarification. You need to look at the persons record and past reputation and character and see if the phrasing aligns with their walk.
Sadly, people misspeak. I know I do.
Thankfully, my friends and family call me on my slip of my tongue. Because unless it’s pointed out, I wouldn’t see my failing.
If I say to someone, “You are a loser.” That may sound insensitive or rude.
But what if they just lost a game? What if I’m just stating a fact? What if they were waiting to find out their result and I was just letting them know they lost. Would my phrasing be implied as rude or insensitive still?
If someone overheard this conversation without knowing the facts, they may still think I was rude. So, know the facts before stating judgement. It’s always easier to count to ten and understand the situation than make a snappish comment that will never be erased from existence or mans memory.
Or what if someone says, “That dress makes you look fat.”
What if the friend is trying to be helpful and the dress isn’t flattering the lovely woman’s frame? Just because something makes you look fat, doesn’t mean you are fat. Stick figure models can look fat in the wrong dress because it sags or buckles in certain areas. It’s not the persons fault, but sometimes it’s the dresses.
Context is so important these days. We need to look at the whole book and not just the cover.
A man who gets his words taken out of context more than anyone is Jesus.
People twist the gospel to fit God into their little box. They squeeze the verses, taking out sentences until it pleases them.
There are many verses in the Bible I have memorized that are staples of my faith. But hopefully I don’t take the verses out of context. But sadly, we all have fallen into this area. We quote verses to win a battle.
But it’s cringeworthy to be blindsided and corrected.
That is a humbling moment.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
James 1:19-21 ESV
May we all be a little more patient. Listen a little more closely. Dissect a little more. And ask questions before anger takes residence.
It’s hard to kick out a house guest that has dug into your heart. Maybe wait a little longer before opening your door to that beast.
Peace
