Perception vs. Truth

Part 1: When Misjudgment Wounds

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“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” – John 7:24 (NIV)

Have you ever met someone who formed a perception about you without ever truly knowing you? Sometimes, even in spiritual circles, people see through their own assumptions rather than through the Spirit of God. The danger in this is that we can end up building false narratives about others, convincing ourselves of something that isn’t true.

Before pointing the finger outward, we must pause and ask: Have I misjudged someone? Have I created a story about them that doesn’t align with who they really are? Scripture reminds us, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). Misjudgment not only damages relationships but also dishonors the God who calls us to walk in love and truth.

Sadly, many times words spoken under the banner of “prophetic insight” are really personal perceptions, not Spirit-led revelation. Instead of healing, they wound. Instead of guiding, they scatter. But the Holy Spirit whispers gently, “Enough. Leave it alone.” He calls us to humility, sensitivity, and compassion.

When we hold tightly to our own opinions, even in error, we can push away the very people God sent to walk alongside us. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Our words can either heal or harm, affirm or alienate.

Today, let’s choose to do better by one another. Let us resist being petty, avoid deepening wounds, and instead allow the Spirit to purify our perceptions. God calls us to build bridges, not barriers.

Prayer

Lord, search my heart and reveal any wrong perceptions I’ve held about others. Help me not to judge by appearances but to walk in discernment led by Your Spirit. Guard my tongue from speaking words that wound, and instead, let me be an instrument of healing, truth, and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.