Think the Best

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement

Think the Best

                  “Now, Mary, she may have had a headache. Or perhaps something was terribly upsetting at home before she left for school.” Mother must have seen disbelief in my young, upset eyes. Perhaps I shook my head because she continued. “Always give someone the benefit of the doubt instead of taking offense. You don’t know the struggles in someone’s life that produced the moment that hurt your feelings.”

Childish tears and pouting probably followed.

More motherly instruction. “When you can give the person who hurts your feelings an excuse in your mind, you are giving mercy to your friend; and you help your friendship.”

Likely, my protests followed.

My wise mother would add. “It doesn’t m    `atter if the reasons you imagine to excuse someone who hurt your feelings are really the cause that made someone say or do something that upset you. What matters is that you give them credit for not intending to hurt you. It’s easier to forgive if you choose to think the best you can about a person’s intentions.”

I’m pretty sure I reacted with indignation.

“Forgiving helps you as much as the person you forgive.”

Dubious look here.

“Forgiving pleases God. The Bible tells us to forgive.”

Whenever I complained about a classmate or friend, I could count on a dialogue that went something like this all my growing-up years. Now, belatedly, I thank God for a mother who sought to steer me away from taking offense easily, away from thinking critically about people and, instead, toward being generous with forgiveness.

Living up to her teaching didn’t always come easily and still doesn’t, but forgiving always brings a special kind of peace. Letting go of offenses always benefits us. God, help us refuse to take offense. Psalm 119:165. ‘Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.’