{my graphics are free goodies for you}
It seems we are becoming a world that sees the worst in each other. Just take a look on social media. This concerns me because as I’ve often said in the past, “People tend to become who you believe them to be. So believe the best.” I still think that’s true. No one ever became a better person because someone believed the worst about them. But I’ve seen many lives transformed because just one person believed another human being could be more than they seemed.
Does that mean we close our eyes to evil? Do we ignore when other people make destructive choices? No, but we respond differently. When we don’t believe the best about others we stand back with our arms crossed and say, “I knew it.” Then we do nothing.
When we believe the best we say, “I know you’re more than this.” Then we do whatever we can—even if it’s just the hard, healing work of praying for that person. Research has shown the first response leads to shame, the second leads to change.
So why is it so hard to believe the best about others? Because it’s risky for our own hearts. We might be disappointed. It requires humility (and pride always gives us a false sense of security). It means being open and compassionate rather than self-protective. It also flat-out seems unfair at times. But grace isn’t fair and we’d all be in trouble if we got what we truly deserve.
It kicks me right out of my comfort zone but I really want to believe: Most people are doing their best. Most people can do better tomorrow. And all people need Jesus.
In other words, I will give you grace for today. I will give you encouragement, help and accountability for tomorrow. And I will always point you back to Jesus. Without Him, there is no hope for who we are or who we’re becoming.
We can help those around us to become all God created them to be when we believe the best about them. Jesus did that when He was here with wild fishermen and Pharisees and prostitutes and tax collectors. He did it even when no one else would give them a second chance or even a second glance.
We all struggle to be our strongest selves. Sometimes we need someone else to see it before we can be it. Let’s dare to look at those around us with eyes of grace today.
{This post is part of the What’s True About Us series.}
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Welcome to the Coffee for Your Heart weekly link-up! You’re an encourager so I’m asking you to pour out a little love with your words every Wednesday {link-up goes live at 5:30am CST}. Simply write an encouraging blog post and then share it here. Don’t have a blog? You can still write an encouraging comment. If you’re reading this by email, go to holleygerth.com to see all the fun and join in too.
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I’m having Coffee For Your Heart with my friend Holley Gerth
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