Practice Believing The Best Of Others
“Peter wants a divorce,” my friend Stacey said, taking quick breaths.
It pained me to see her struggling to keep from falling completely apart. “I’m so sorry.”
When our eyes met, her mascara was long gone. “It hurts, Sheryl. And what makes it worse is knowing some people will believe Peter when he says I’m the one at fault. I can’t handle this.”
Her words pierced my heart as I imagined the added anguish she’d suffer from those who didn’t know the whole truth.
How often do we find ourselves the object of false judgment? On the flip side, how often are we the ones telling lies about someone?
These questions remind me of the second part of 1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV):
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
The Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, expands “believes all things” this way:
[Love] is ever ready to believe the best of every person.
How can we practice believing in and seeing the best of someone, especially when the conversation turns against them?
- First, we can decide beforehand not to start or listen to rumors.
- Second, when a conversation heads in the wrong direction, we can redirect it by saying something like, “Oh, I hope that’s not true. But just in case, I’ll put (name of person) on my prayer list.” This is better than remaining silent because sometimes our silence implies our agreement.
What about believing the best of those we see every day?
- If our husband makes a costly investment mistake, do we lose faith in him, or do we continue to believe in his ability to succeed?
- If a friend constantly shows up late, do we focus on that one (albeit irritating) flaw, or will we ask God to help us recall (and believe in) their good qualities?
Refusing to listen to rumors or form negative opinions about others takes effort. But when we choose to believe the best of someone – and help others do the same while faithfully praying for them – we can prevent that person from falling into a depth of despair that could lead to devastating consequences.
Knowing somebody still believes in them (and that they’re worth defending) could give a person the hope and dignity they need to persevere.
What do you think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
Have you ever been misjudged or misunderstood?
- How have others’ false opinions of you affected you?
- How have your false opinions of others affected them?
If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Today Can Be Different online and leave a comment. If you would like to subscribe to this blog and receive the most recent post to your inbox, see sidebar! There’s no charge for this service. AND, I’d be tickled if you would consider sharing this post.
How important this is, as I learned a lesson the hard way years ago.
Now, I try to utilize your above mentioned technique of saying to persons who are speaking negatively about a person – ‘They must be very upset about …. I’ll pray their (bitterness – disappointment – hurt – anger) gets resolved.’ And then, I really do pray for that person.
Excellently said, ML. I am going to copy and paste your comment so I can remember it.
Welcome to Today Can Be Different.net. I hope you stop by often!
The Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, expands “believes all things” this way: “[Love] is ever ready to believe the best of every person.”
Thank you for the encouragement!❤️
Thank you, Becky! I appreciate you stopping by Today Can Be Different.
I hope to see you again. 🙂
I’m kind of a slow learner in a lot of ways to make my life more like the person God wants me to be.
In the area of the nessage today, I’ve basically overcome that.
I have a student who is almost always late so I’ve been thinking about all that she contributes to the class.
Your response regarding your student is not only very wise, Sandra, but God-honoring.
Well done!
I’m kind of a slow learner but have tried to be more like the Lord wants me to be.
Instead of getting upset with a fee students who are almost always late, O know try and focus on what they can contribute in class.
I love the verse about love where “love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things”! It’s so good to believe the best of others! Thanks Sheryl!
Indeed. Imagine the difference it would make in our relationships, Kim. Including in our churches.
Thank you, as always, for stopping by Kim.
I agree with Kim. Love is a powerful emotion. We all need to love more as well as forgive.
Amen!