Aug 14 Devotion: Perceptions, Misunderstandings, and Ignorance

Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

         Notice in this verse that Paul wants to clarify a situation that was a concern to the church at Rome. He said that he did not want them to have the wrong idea concerning his inability to come to them. The phrase “but was let hitherto” means that he had been hindered from coming and at that point it was not possible for him to be there. It is not that he didn’t want to come for he had “purposed” (made plans and an effort) but could not.

         Let us consider this point. Oftentimes, people jump to conclusions because of a lack of information. (This scenario is found in the word “ignorant” in the verse.) The church at Rome had the wrong perception concerning Paul’s absence. Man has a vivid imagination and can invent things that are not factual. We can make up our own scenario and believe it as if it were true. Paul puts to rest all these false ideas by telling them the real reason why he has not been able to come. He’s not mad. He’s not uncaring. He’s not prejudiced toward them. He’s not putting others above them. He simply says, “I was let hitherto.” I couldn’t come. It is nothing personal. It was not because I have a problem with you. I just couldn’t come.

         Why is understanding this so important? Because wrong perceptions have caused great friction in relationships. When we are ignorant of the facts, (and make up our own false ideas based on faulty perceptions) then conflict, hard feelings, and problems arise. How to avoid this is addressed in James 1:19, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” It is far better to know the truth than to jump to conclusions. Many difficulties could have been avoided by simply finding out the facts of the situation.

         Paul had a great desire to see God use him to produce some “fruit among” the people in Rome. But at that time, he could not get there. Just because things are not happening like you thought they should, don’t jump to conclusions why it is happening that way. “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Find out the truth.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5