taking things at face value

I always find it interesting when we try to “read” body language, expressions, nuances in the voice, and such. It is hard enough figuring out what people mean when they say something, let alone how they say it or what their facial expressions are or what their body is doing while they are saying it. We could really mess up the world by simply not buying into this whole subjective enterprise.

I am often tempted to say something in a tone, with a facial expression, and a body contortion which “reads” just the opposite of what I am saying. Either that or delivering every message with a monotone like Ben Stein and an expression like a Buckingham Palace guard. That would be fun.

Instead, let’s just be gracious in our “analyzing” of others. Let’s weigh their words carefully and give them wide benefit of the doubt when it comes to nuances. Jesus said it this way.

“Let your yes be a yes and a no a no.”