Think Before You Do

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Acts 21:17-36 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

Have you ever been misunderstood or misrepresented? How did this make you feel? What were the consequences? In our current digital age, there seems ever greater potential for someone’s words, actions, or position on a hot topic to be taken out of context, framed in an unfavourable way, or simply lied about. Sadly, the same can happen within the church community when our differences cause disagreement and conflict. This is what happens in today’s reading.

Some Jewish Christians had been misled; believing that Paul was dissuading Jewish Christians from keeping Torah. Paul’s teaching of the Church’s agreed position that Gentile Christians need not convert to become Jewish by adopting circumcision or other Jewish practices had been twisted and misrepresented (v.25; cf. ch. 15). The ‘fake news’ that Paul encouraged Jewish followers of Jesus to reject their cultural heritage and traditions spread (v.21). Despite the best efforts of James and the Jerusalem elders to help Paul demonstrate this was untrue, the rumour mill was in full flow (vv.22-24). This led to some Jews, feeling fearful and threatened, to jump to conclusions and assume Paul had done something he hadn’t (vv.26-29). This intra-church disagreement soon ‘goes viral,’ spilling out to the wider society causing confusion, discord, violence, and ultimately a situation where there is so much noise, hostility, and misinformation that the truth can no longer be heard (vv.30-36). The truth is lost and Paul, the church, and wider society all come to harm.

In this penitential season, we are called to reflect on our own lives as followers of Christ. Do I describe someone else’s beliefs or conduct in a way they would not recognise? Do I attribute unfounded motives to someone’s behaviour? Do I relay ‘facts’ in a less flattering way than necessary? Do I allow someone to believe something about someone else I know to be untrue? As we dwell on the actions and consequences in today’s passage, let’s resolve to T.H.I.N.K before we speak and act: T.H.I.N.K. Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?

Let us pray: God of truth, help me to think and speak of others in ways that are truthful and loving so that our church and community may flourish, and Jesus’ name be praised. Amen.