Word of the Day – ASKANCE

Today, the word under the spotlight is, Askance.

To look askance is to glance with suspicion, doubt, or disapproval. It is not the look of trust, but of mistrust; not of openness, but of guarded distance.

(Continue reading or listen to this as read on radio by Dewunmi Afolabi-Ajani)

In Scripture, many looked askance at Jesus. The Pharisees saw His miracles yet questioned His authority. Even in His hometown, people asked, “Is not this the carpenter?” (Mark 6:3), and they took offense at Him (Mark 6:3). To look askance is to see through eyes clouded by pride or prejudice, rather than through faith.

But here is the good news: God never looks askance at His children. In Christ, His gaze toward us is not suspicious but welcoming, not doubtful but full of assurance. “The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you” (Num. 6:25). He does not peer at us sideways, waiting for us to fail; He looks straight at us with the steadfast love secured by Christ’s sacrifice.

So, when we fix our eyes on Christ, and when we look at others, we must reflect that same blessing. Not with suspicion, envy, or doubt—but with the open gaze of grace and welcome that God has given us in Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that in Christ You do not look askance at me, but You look on me with love, mercy, and blessing. Help me to turn my eyes fully toward You and to look at others with the same grace You have shown me. Amen.

Now, let’s do an exercise. Can you make a Christian-themed sentence with the word, Askance? I’ll go first: “Because Christ has welcomed me, I will not look askance at anyone He has redeemed.” Now, make your own Christian-themed sentence with the word, Askance, in the comments section. We’ll be looking out for it.

Thank