Monday, September 5, 2016

Tell Me a True Story Blog Party Week of 09/05/16


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Give Others The Benefit of the Doubt

What a revelation this young lady was disclosing as she spoke. 

I was sitting in an adult Bible Study Class, and the teacher had just asked the question, “How can we love our enemies?” 

One of the ladies was explaining how she reacts to people who are rude or angry or very upset.  She says she just makes up an “excuse” for them in her mind and gives them the “Benefit of the doubt.”

She reasons, perhaps they have had a very bad day, maybe they received some bad news, are getting over the flue, or they may possibly have a rock in their shoe!!  She went on to say that she chooses to believe something good about the person, rather than something bad, when she has the possibility of doing either. 

If we treated our enemies and friends this way, believing the best of them, we might be able to stop all wars or at least get along better with each other. 

One thing we must realize is - - that in believing the best of people, we must not justify wickedness.   Honestly, some people are simply mean, manipulative, hateful and evil.  We can pray for them to repent and to open their heart to the Lord.   

Understand that they probably will not listen to you preach at them, but pray that God will send someone else to them.  They may listen to a friend, a neighbor a TV program, or read a magazine that will strike a cord in their spirit.  

The best thing is to try first to give them the benefit of the doubt, and if that doesn’t work, then the next best thing is to distance your self from them. 

In a job situation this may not be possible, but you can at least be civil and polite. 

Other times it is wise to learn to be quiet ! 

Proverbs 15:1 - 2  A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly. 

Proverbs 19:11  A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.
 
Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;


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3 comments:

Cheryl said...

Wow, I admire this lady's mindset. I read a church sign the other day that said, "We could save so much time, if we would only think the best of others." Something along that line. Thank you for sharing this...it is very helpful to me. God bless you, sweet sister.

Saleslady371 said...

Good practical advice: Give people the benefit of the doubt but don't tolerate evil. I like that Proverbs 19 verse.

Unknown said...

This is a great reminder. It's so easy to desire justice before mercy… just the opposite of what we long for ourselves.

I don't know if I'll ever get enough reminders on this side of the curtain, but thanks!