photo #4776256

"Love Thinketh No Evil"“Love thinketh no evil.” Turn that phrase over in your mind for awhile and some weighty implications begin to emerge. For example, if I love people it seems that I would not be quick to condemn them; rather, I would be inclined to give the benefit of the doubt, assume the best, and withhold judgment until all the facts are in. Even then I suppose love would consider what kind pressure that person might have been under to make them do or say what they did.I was pondering this last night because it seems that we are so quick to believe the worst about people--and then treat them accordingly. In my role as a counselor I had to be so careful. A counselee might be extremely hurt or angry and spill all their pent up venom on me, expecting me to side with them, take up their offense, and affirm their victimhood. I admit early on I was taken in a couple times, only to discover that their twisted version of things was grossly distorted. There really are two sides to every story—actually three. Her version, his version, and the truth.When people speak badly of me for some reason I wish those who hear those things would seek me out to see if there’s any truth to it. Sometimes there is, although usually not as nasty as it was portrayed. But once I am aware someone is offended I can go make it right and hopefully restore a relationship. That, to me, the loving thing to do, and according to Jesus, we are under divine obligation to love one another.Perhaps we might even remind each other of this little adage when the conversation turns toxic regarding another person. As in, “Well, how about we give the benefit of the doubt until we know more.” I think Jesus would be pleased if we did that more often.