Intention & Interpretation

Intention and Interpretation don't walk the same road.

They can walk the same direction, but often are miles apart.

Let no corrupt communication proceed

out of your mouth, but that which is good

to the use of edifying, that it may

minister grace unto the hearers.

4 Ephesians 4:29

We can have the best intentions, but we can't control how someone might interpret what we are trying to communicate. Interpretation is a wavering conclusion. I want to think the best about every person I meet; I just never know what season or situation they might be in so while my nice gesture may be the right intention, if my gesture falls on a broken spirit, it may not be well received.

I love the story of the two farmers. They were both waiting for the rain; one was in his home watching the sky, and the other was out in the field preparing. Now both farmers were doing what they thought was best, and I can see the point of view of both. Sometimes we are in a season of waiting, and then sometimes we are in a season of action. We can never truly know the heart of a person as deeply as the Lord does. Our stories belong to God- the author and finisher of our faith.

When we communicate with another person, we must listen for that still small voice in our hearts and minds before we blurt anything out. It should never be our intent to discourage or offend. More often than we may think, no words may be the right words; sometimes just a listening ear and caring heart to offer intercession to God on behalf another soul is all someone may need. The best intention may be the one we pray, leaving the interpretation up to God.

As we stand at the fork in the road, I hope we will pause, and make sure that our intentions are of the utmost, and that how they are interpreted will be that of love, joy, and peace.