Imagine assembling a puzzle using only the edge pieces and trying to understand what the full picture is.
it’s impossible to grasp the complete picture, isn’t it?
Yet, this is often the approach in family disputes.
Forming conclusions without seeing the entire picture.
One must have all the pieces of the puzzle completed to fully comprehend the entire picture.
Gathering all information and everyone’s perspectives is essential for making an informed decision.
Regrettably, in my experience with a dispute within the family, this was only one of the elements that led to a divided family. The common pitfalls of not obtaining everyone’s account of the story are often based on assumptions and making decisions driven by emotions instead of facts.
In my study of King David, he also did not collect all the necessary information and relied solely on one person’s account and the consequences of his rash decisions based on incomplete information
Background:
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of Saul. After Jonathan and Saul died, David sought any remaining family members to show kindness, as was his promise to Jonathan. Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, was brought to David, and David restored Saul’s land to him and allowed him to eat at the king’s table regularly.
The Incident:
2 Samuel 16:1-4:
When King David was fleeing Jerusalem due to his son Absalom’s rebellion, he encountered Ziba, Mephibosheth’s servant, on the road. Ziba came with donkeys loaded with supplies, which he said were a gift for the king. When David asked where Mephibosheth was, Ziba falsely claimed that Mephibosheth had remained in Jerusalem because he was hoping to become king, given the turmoil with Absalom.
Feeling betrayed, everything that King David blessed Mephibosheth with, he gave it all to his servant, Zipa….. all of Mephibosheth’s lands and possessions.
Mephibosheth’s Explanation:
Later, when David returned to Jerusalem after defeating Absalom, Mephibosheth went to meet him. He appeared unkept and unshaven, which he explained was because he had been mourning for David’s absence. Mephibosheth explained that he had not deserted David nor had he any intentions of claiming the throne for himself during the rebellion
He clarified that he was unable to come to David when he fled Jerusalem because of his crippled feet. Being lame, he depended on Ziba for assistance. According to Mephibosheth, Ziba had deceived him and left him behind, thereby not only physically stranding him but also making it appear to David as if Mephibosheth were disloyal
This section of the scripture demonstrates the consequences of decisions based on incomplete or false information then making rash decisions made from emotion
We can learn valuable lessons from King David
When trouble arises, first reports are frequently inaccurate. People often rush to understand a situation, which can lead to prioritizing speed over accuracy in understanding the situation
When you make someone guilty without considering all the facts, you’re piecing assumptions together by filling in the gaps with your own ideas, which ultimately leads to an unfair solution.
Unforeseen consequences can arise from decisions made with incomplete information
When approached biblically, one can successfully handle a crisis situation
In the light of God’s wisdom,
For as Scripture teaches, ‘The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper’ (Proverbs 19:8).
As we face the trials within our families, let us strive not to act on pieces of knowledge or the surge of our emotions. Instead, let us patiently gather the full story, so then can we make decisions that are just,
let us not be hasty to judge based on partial information,
Rather, let us be diligent in seeking the complete perspective
In this way, we honor God by making choices that are informed, considered, and aligned with His eternal love and righteousness.
Join me on my journey paved by God’s guidance – I invite you to join me and find inspiration in the remarkable ways God moves in our lives (echosofmyfootsteps.com)
