Assuming Evil Intent

Scripture: David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun son of Nahash, for his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. When David’s servants came to Hanun in the land of the Ammonites to console him, the officials of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Do you think, because David has sent consolers to you, that he is honoring your father? Have not his servants come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?” So Hanun seized David’s servants, shaved them, cut off their garments in the middle at their waists, and sent them away. 1 Chronicles 19:2-4

Observation: The war that makes both the Ammonites and the Arameans subject to Israel is caused because Hanun and his advisors assumed evil intent from David. The evidence for such an assumption is unclear, as the history between the Ammonites and Israelites - and David and Nahash - is a bit mixed, however it is clearly not based in reality as David's intent was in fact to recognize and honor Hanun.

That said, the emotional cause for such an assumption is obvious ... it is fear. The Ammonites knew of Israel's strength under David, and assumed evil intent because they feared his future attack. When they offended him, they immediately hired mercenary assistance fearing David's retribution. They then went out to battle, and in response David defeated them. By being fearful - and acting on that fear - what Hanun and his advisors feared manifested.

Application: I just read a statement yesterday that the cause of all anger is fear. I have seen fearful people act in ways that are completely and totally illogical. We are just now finishing a time in human history where massive numbers of people have lived in fear, and their actions resulting from that fear - not the thing feared but their fear-filled actions - have caused ... mental health issues, personal financial hardship, social violence, widespread isolation, breakdowns in education for youth, and a global economic crisis.

How often is the root cause of conflict just ... fear? So often, of course, that it is the most addressed emotion throughout the bible, as the Lord tells us not to be afraid; to the point, not to react to situations we are experiencing, especially those that involve the actions of the Lord himself, with fear. And since the Lord is in the midst of every situation, and in control of all things, that would apply to everything.

I feel confident I do not act often motivated by fear. However, I do know that I have begun to assume evil intent by most people around me. This causes me to react to them in a manner that may best be described as self-preserving. The lesson from Hanun is that such assumptions and reactions represents fear. For me, that is a fear of again being lied about, professionally attacked, and placed at risk to care for my family.

Then again, most people around me are not David. They are not people who love God, obey moral law, and desire peace. They are people who love money, pursue professional advancement, and desire social recognition. Their framework is not biblical teaching founded in God's love, but it is earthly definitions of success and justice founded by the lies of satan. And they fear falling short of those definitions.

Can I cease the cycle of NOT assuming evil intent, and then not being hurt and attacked by those to whom I offer trust? Possibly not. However, I can reject the fear of such attacks, and thus surrender my life to the protection of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, may I not be afraid, even of those who likely mean me harm. I know they still exist, I know they still attack, and I know they will find earthly success by such actions. I desire not to fear these outcomes, for I absolutely know you are with me. Amen.