Do you give people the benefit of the doubt? How do you respond when someone cancels plans, talks behind your back, says one thing but seems to do another? All of those deserve a frustrated response, but is there a chance the person who wronged you didn't do anything wrong?
I heard Andy Stanley, pastor and author, say something to the affect that married couples who give each other the benefit of the doubt are more likely to stay together. That's not a direct quote. His point was that in relationships when someone hurts you it's easy to jump to conclusions and assume that they meant to hurt you. On the other hand the healthiest relationships give one another the benefit of the doubt.
The next time someone doesn't meet your expectations try giving them the benefit of the doubt before you pass judgement. Maybe they are in the wrong or maybe there's a reasonable explanation. Life is too short to get mad all time. Giving someone the benefit of the doubt will allow you to discuss it with them before you trash them. Most likely if it's someone you love they will have a reasonable explanation.
Good advice, advice I need to take to heart.
ReplyDeleteYES! I so agree. Give people the necessary space to be human and flaw, as we all do--without attaching emotional sensors to their intentions.
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