January 24, 2022 | Acts 21

Read Acts 21

Scripture- Acts 21:28-29- “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)

Observation- These men assumed and speculated that Paul did something. Instead of seeking to understand, they started speculating with other people and accusing Paul of something he ultimately didn’t do. It not only hurt Paul’s reputation, but it also led to his arrest. 

Application- I really need to be careful with assumptions and speculating. It can hurt people’s reputation and cause all kinds of damage. God has given me, and all people, a reputation and a name that he loves and cares for. I pray that he not only protects mine but that he protects others as well. If I hear something about someone that is concerning, I want to go directly to that person and ask out of love for that person. This is what the 8th commandment is all about. It is a commandment that my Savior Jesus kept perfectly for me. I will strive to keep it today. 

Prayer- Father, thank you for the gift of a reputation. Thank you for clearing my name before you through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Help me to not assume and speculate about other people today. Instead, let me love and have concern for others’ reputation. Amen.