The Sin of Assumption: The Silent Spark That Fuels Gossip

Have you ever assumed someone was mad at you because they didn’t wave back at church? Or guessed why a family left the service early, whispering it to the person beside you? Maybe you were being nosey and caught a piece of information and just filled in the blanks around it yourself, concocting an entire story around it to be upset about and gossip to everyone. There are other ways to get attention, my friend. Let’s learn how to acquire positive attention over hurting other people to feel better about yourself.

What if I told you that assuming is just as damaging—and sinful—as gossip itself?

Yes. Assuming.

That quiet, sneaky thought that tells you what someone meant or must have done, without ever confirming it. It’s the rotten root that grows into full-blown rumors and character assassination. And the Bible has a lot to say about it.

Let’s dig in, reflect, and grow together.

💭 What Is Assumption, Really?

Assuming is when we fill in the blanks about someone’s thoughts, motives, or actions without having the truth.

And when we voice those assumptions? We’re spreading lies.

When we believe assumptions without evidence? We become deceived.

When we share assumptions as facts? We become gossipers.

Let’s make it interactive:

Quick Check-In: Which of these have you done lately?

• “They didn’t text back… I guess they’re mad at me.”

• “She got that promotion? Must’ve flirted her way up.”

• “He left early from Bible study. Probably just here for show.”

• “They must not work. What a lazy bum.”(when, in reality, they were disabled and receive a check because they are unable to work.

• I think John is back on drugs again man. Have you seen how he looks recently?”

If any of these sound familiar… let’s walk into the Word together.

📖 What the Bible Says About Assuming & Gossip

1.

Assumptions Lead to False Judgments

“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” — John 7:24

When we assume, we are judging people without truth. Jesus warns us not to do that.

2.

Assuming Is Rooted in Pride

“Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” — Proverbs 26:12

Assuming says, “I already know.”

Humility says, “Let me ask, let me learn.”

3.

It Breeds Division

“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” — Proverbs 16:28

Most gossip starts with someone assuming, then sharing that assumption like truth.

📚 Bible Examples to Learn From

🔹

Job’s Friends

Job’s friends assumed he must have sinned to deserve his suffering. They didn’t ask, they just accused.

“You wrong me by your assumptions… Have I ever lied to you?” — Job 6:28-30 (paraphrased)

Lesson: Their assumptions only added to Job’s pain. Sometimes, silence and support is better than a guess and a speech.

🔹

The Pharisees & the Woman with Perfume

They assumed the woman who poured oil on Jesus was worthless and sinful beyond redemption.

“If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him…” — Luke 7:39

But Jesus knew her heart. He defended her. Because He looks deeper than assumption ever can.

🔹

Jesus and Zacchaeus

People assumed Zacchaeus, the tax collector, could never change.

But Jesus said:

“Today salvation has come to this house.” — Luke 19:9

Assumptions said: “He’s a cheat.”

Jesus said: “He’s redeemable.”

🔄 Let’s Flip It: Have You Ever Been Assumed About?

Take a moment to reflect:

• Has someone ever misjudged your motives?

• Have you ever been gossiped about unfairly?

• How did it feel?

Assumptions rob people of the chance to be truly seen and known.

🧠 For Those Who Struggle with Empathy…

If empathy doesn’t come easy, try this:

Scenario Game: Pick One

1. You walk into church and hear laughter. They stop when they see you. Do you:

   
   

   • A) Assume it’s about you

   • B) Say hello and smile anyway

   
   

2. Someone posts a vague Facebook status about being “done with fake people.” Do you:

   
   

   • A) Assume it’s directed at you

   • B) Scroll past and check in with them directly later

   
   

3. A coworker doesn’t say hi in the breakroom. Do you:

   
   

   • A) Assume they’re rude or mad

   • B) Pray for them, not knowing what they might be facing

Choosing B is choosing grace. Choosing B is what Jesus would do.

🕊 How to Break the Cycle

• Pause before you speak.

  
  

  “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19

• Ask, don’t assume.

  
  

  “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.” — Matthew 18:15

• Pray for a clean heart.

  
  

  “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10

• Speak life instead.

  “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up.” — Ephesians 4:29

🙏 Final Thought and a Prayer

“The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.” — Proverbs 18:8

Let’s stop chewing on lies. Let’s feed our hearts with truth, compassion, and clarity.

Prayer:

Lord, help me resist the urge to assume, to judge, or to gossip.

Teach me to pause, to pray, and to speak only what is true and life-giving.

Give me a heart of compassion and a spirit of discernment.

Help me walk in truth—even when silence feels easier.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

💬 Comment Below:

Have you ever been hurt by someone’s assumptions? Or have you ever made an assumption that turned out wrong? Let’s open the conversation with grace and honesty.

👉 Share this with someone who could use a gentle reminder to assume less, and love more.

📬 Subscribe at www.authorbrandiekester.com for more biblical truths that help us grow in love and wisdom every day.