Weekly Devotional 3-14-16 That is Your Interpretation
How often when in conversation with someone concerning spiritual matters, has it been said to you, “Well that is your interpretation.”? This is often said by someone who is closed minded, not wanting to change some preconceived understanding or lack thereof concerning Scripture. It is interesting that this is true of both non-Christians and sometimes true of Christian brothers or sisters. Certainly this could also be true of us. Perhaps you have some time or other said this same thing, I have. We, however, who are Christian must be careful of such a refrain. It often does damage to the one we are conversing with; whether it is a Christian brother or sister, or a non-believer. If not damage to the said person, it may damage one’s relationship with another and impair further discussion. Perhaps it would be better if we said, “Well that is an interesting observation, let’s examine it together.” Such a statement could hardly be offensive. It is at least less offensive than saying, “Well that is your interpretation.”
With a Christian brother or sister we should follow the apostle Paul’s encouragement to the Ephesians. He wrote; “1I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:1-6 NKJV). We must, as was Paul’s charge to the Ephesians, strive to maintain unity.
With a non-believer we must understand that they are not able to understand or interpret Scripture. Paul went on with his encouragement to the Ephesians speaking of non-believers that “their understanding is darkened, they are alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (see Ephesians 4:18 NKJV). Thus, we should not take offense when they say, “That is your interpretation.” Until and unless the Holy Spirit opens their minds and hearts they are incapable of seeing Scripture as they should.
Someone said to me many years ago, “It is hard to reach a brother that you have offended.” This is also true of a non-believer. It will be hard to reach him or her if we have offended them.
Lord, guide us in our conversations with others.
stevelampman@comcast.net stevelampman.com
Transforming Power; The Work of God on Behalf of Man
Evangelical Free Church www.efreebible