Assume The Best

Don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

Oh no, I thought as soon as I saw that the elementary school was calling. One of the kids must be sick.

Full of dread, I picked up the call and heard the principal’s voice.

“I’ve got your daughter in the office with me. Do you have time for a Good News Call?” he asked.

Caught off guard, I agreed.

“I’m calling because we had a new student yesterday, and your daughter went out of her way to show her around and introduce her to me. It made my day. She is such a caring, considerate student. I am so proud of her!”

Eyes stinging with unexpected tears, I thanked him for making such a happy call.

Afterward, I couldn’t help but think about how my mind had immediately started down the path toward worst-case scenarios. A positive call hadn’t even crossed my mind.

Unfortunately, that experience is common, especially in relationships. Someone makes an offhanded remark that hurts our feelings, and we assume they were purposely unkind. We find out about a gathering we weren’t invited to and wonder if the host isn’t as good a friend as we thought they were. A text goes unreturned, and we conclude that the other person doesn’t care enough to respond.

In each of these situations, it’s hard not to assume the worst, particularly if we’ve been hurt before.

What would happen if we chose instead to assume the best? We know that God—who could easily judge humanity based on the world’s sin—instead considers our hearts. Let’s do the same by overlooking minor missteps and considering motives. Is it possible that those around us are busy, overwhelmed, or exhausted rather than intentionally hurtful? Let’s forgive minor slights and make grace our ready response. When we do, relationships will be repaired, forgiveness extended, and peace restored.

Our gratitude and joy in our relationships can only increase each time we consciously decide to see the best-case scenario. If we choose to look for the good, we’ll find it. When we do, we can celebrate all God has done.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Pause and reorient your thoughts each time you are tempted to assume the worst.