UNPACK This...Being Patient With Ourselves and Each OtherSample

Jumping To Conclusions

While the 2009 film The Blind Side is a feel-good story about the relationship between football player Michael Oher and his adoptive family, the Tuohys, the real-life situation involving the parties did not have as happy an outcome.

In 2023, Oher filed a lawsuit against the Tuohys, alleging that the family generated millions of dollars from his story while Oher received no financial compensation.

In response, the Tuohys’ attorney stated that the family divided the money equally with Oher and that the family’s embracing of Oher was not motivated by the desire for financial gain.

Once the lawsuit was filed, some people quickly took sides over the other. Some were certain that Oher had been victimized, while others maintained that the Tuohys had done nothing wrong.

It was interesting to see people jump to conclusions so quickly, especially when they had no actual knowledge of what had happened.

As followers of Jesus, we often find ourselves in situations where two sides hold conflicting views about what is alleged to have occurred. When those times come, we must look to scripture for wisdom on how to respond.

Proverbs 18:17 (ESV) says, “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.”

We must never forget that there are two sides to every story. If we desire true justice to prevail, we must take the time to examine the facts instead of hastily jumping to a conclusion.

The same principle applies when judging the intentions and motivations of others.

1 Corinthians 4:5 (NASB) tells us, “Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of human hearts; and then praise will come to each person from God.”

Today, let’s resolve not to jump to conclusions quickly. Let's exercise patience in taking the time to seek the truth while also leaving the judgments of the heart to the Lord.

I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me acknowledge that I don't know everything, so I don't jump to conclusions on matters that haven't been thoroughly established, and judge the intentions of others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.