If we only knew

February 3rd, 2010

“If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I wonder how different we would treat people if we truly knew all that was going on in their lives. How would I react to someone who is rude or treats me unfair if I truly knew the back story and circumstances of their life?

We interact with people every day who have been through far more than we could ever truly understand. People are living with baggage and pain that affects the way they interact with others. We maybe see someone lash out or treat us in such a way that causes us to get defensive or want to write them off. The reality is if we could truly see all they are living through and all that is weighing them down we might be willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Please hear me, in no way am I trying to excuse sin or give people permission to blame their circumstances for their poor treatment of others. What I am saying is that we should not judge a book by its cover.

As a follower of Christ I am called to be a beacon of grace, mercy and love to all I come in contact with. Every day we interact with people who are barely hanging on and looking for just a glimpse of hope. If I am going to live under the banner of grace I must be willing to also extend the gift of grace that I have received to others. Imagine how different our reactions to people would be if we sought to extend them grace instead of fight for our rights when we are treated unfairly. Remember, we can’t control the actions of others, but we can control our reaction to the way they treat us.

May we never forget that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

As you interact with people today think about the grace that you have received and seek to offer grace to others. Who do you know that needs a little grace right now? Who do you know that might be barely hanging on and could use a word of encouragement? If we only knew the back story of people’s lives, we might be willing to extend a little more grace.

A little bit of grace goes a long way!

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