Wednesday; July 7

Have you ever heard the saying, “Give someone the benefit of the doubt”? This is an oldy, but a goody. (Other quips might be “cutting someone some slack” or “seeing the best in them”.) I don’t know that we hear these quips all that much anymore these days – and society may practice them even less. Typically, when we assess the activities of others, we are apt to critique them by supposing the worst. When we look at their actions and decisions, we often assume that their intent was devious and their motives were nefarious. In other words, we don’t give them the benefit of the doubt. While this may be society’s mindset, it shouldn’t be that way with those who profess a belief in Jesus. Jesus told His disciples, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1). James reminds us, “Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.” (James 5:9). You know, when you put it that way, giving the benefit of the doubt doesn’t just help them, it is also a benefit to us.
Let’s be kind in our assessments of others. I don’t know about you, but I make enough mistakes to need all the “benefits of the doubts” I can get.
Think About It!

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