Dismiss or Dismissive?
Today we’ll discuss two opposite words that sound similar but their meanings are the difference between day and night. The words are to dismiss – a verb and dismissive an adjective. Let’s look at them in a biblical context and how we use these words in our day-to-day lives.
Have you ever wondered the meaning of a word when you heard it spoken? Maybe the word was used in a different context than what you were familiar with. Words have meaning and for understanding of the words, looking at how they are used helps give clarity to the situation.
In a biblical context, we read of an account in John 8:2-11 where two words that sound similar but have different meanings are used. The words are dismissive which is an adjective denoting character and dismiss, a verb showing action.
• Dismissive - (adjective) – to ignore or make one seem less than others by not listening, believing it is not important, and rejecting the idea presented, disrespectful, inconsiderate, or even rude.
• Dismiss - (verb) - to let go, take no offense, as in send away, remove. To decline, disband, dissolve, let go, release.
In this passage, we read of the account where Jesus goes early in the morning to teach in the synagogue and all of a sudden, the religious leaders bring him a woman who was guilty of adultery. How did they know? It says she was caught in the very act. I am not sure where the man was that was her partner in the sin. I am unsure if they knew who he was or if he was in the crowd of accusers, but Jesus deals with him even in his absence. As they accused her, they were dismissive of their wrongdoings. The religious people reminded Jesus of the penalty she should receive for the sin she was caught in. In response, Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dirt. There are many speculations as to what Jesus wrote. I wonder if he was writing the names of her accusers and their sins.
The accusers continued, paying no attention to what Jesus was doing until he spoke these words. “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” Having said that, he stooped and wrote again.
One by one they left, convicted. Their dismissive attitude turned into humiliation as each Jewish man present knew well the Levitical law and its process of atonement for their sins.
Jesus stood up, he saw no one but the woman. “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She answered, ‘No one, Lord.’ And here is where you and I can stand before Jesus in our repentant heart and hear Jesus say, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.”
If we are honest with ourselves, we are or have been that woman – accused. Our accusers with their dismissive attitudes stand ruthlessly demanding justice. This is the devil’s way. The Lord’s way says, your sin is forgiven, you are dismissed. The charges are dropped, go and sin no more.
Jesus, the Son of God, stood before the crowd and gave them insight into how to live the way God intended in the beginning. Not in darkness, but in Light.
The pivotal verse is v.12 where Jesus said to the crowd, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life. The light reveals sin and dispels darkness.
Can you see yourself in that account? Are you in the crowd of accusers? Are you the woman? Are you in the crowd of onlookers? Wherever you see yourself, know that your sins are forgiven and you can live in the light of life through Jesus Christ. Jesus’ statement to the woman, your sins are forgiven was for the woman, for the accusers, and for all who will listen. Think about these two words this week and how you use or demonstrate them in your life. Will we have a dismissive attitude or are we willing to dismiss, or let go of someone for what they may or may not have done? We will talk about false and real expectations next week which will give us more insight on these words.
Until next time, remember the matter of the heart is the heart of the matter!
Dr. Michele
July 13, 2024
