July 27 Hope for Others
HOPE FOR OTHERS WHAT YOU HOPE FOR YOURSELF.
As my wife, Sweet Maria, will tell you, I haven’t always been the most patient person. I think fast food takes too long. The best part about sushi is you don’t have to wait to cook the fish.
My default setting is all gas, no brake. Sometimes I have a hard time slowing down long enough to have the deep conversations I’d otherwise like to have or be asked the hard questions. But I’m trying to do better.
Have you ever said that to yourself with an issue or trait you just can’t seem to get some distance from? I’m trying to do better. While the people around us are hoping we’ll try a little harder, you know you’re giving it everything you’ve got—even if it doesn’t look like a lot.
We can give ourselves the benefit of the doubt because we know God is always changing us and transforming us into people who look a little more like Jesus. He’s taking the long view with us. Thank goodness for that.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to give yourself some grace, but it’s a lot harder to give it to someone else who we don’t think is changing fast enough?
What if we gave others the benefit of the doubt we’re quick to extend to ourselves? When someone snubs us or makes us feel inferior, what if we remembered they’re still in the process of becoming? They’re probably just as insecure as we are and just made the kind of mistake we make all the time.
Just like we’re growing out of the impatient or unkind or dogmatic or pretentious people we used to be, other people may be changing too. Give them a little grace while it happens.
So when someone slips up, celebrate how far they’ve come—don’t think about how long it took them to get there.
Think of someone close to you who’s been going through a difficult time. What kind of growth have you seen in their lives lately? Share that with them today.
Want more inspirational words from Bob Click Here and enjoy a 365-Day Journey to Living in Grace and Walking in Love.
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