Stop Assuming the Worst About People
We've tried really hard to focus periodically in this series on how to build stronger relationships with the people around you. If you want to excel in your faith, in your accomplishments, and have greater peace, then you cannot have…
Begin with what is true
We've tried really hard to focus periodically in this series on how to build stronger relationships with the people around you. If you want to excel in your faith, in your accomplishments, and have greater peace, then you cannot have turmoil with the people in and around your life.
Way back in the early days in episode three, we talked about always speak last, which can help nurture better relationships.
See God more clearly
Attributing everything that happens as malice is a fool's game, number one, because that is not the way God wants us to live. When people say something unkind, even if it's to you, isn't it usually them dealing with some problem or anxiety, or maybe they just don't understand.
I listened to a sermon the other day by a man who vehemently disagrees with my position on baptism, and he titled his sermon the number one lie that Christians are told.
Let faith shape the response
I walk right by someone who is sitting in a pew, measuring the value of their life by whether or not the preacher stops and shakes their hand and says hi to them. And I really do try to do that, but it doesn't always work, especially two minutes before class when everybody's seated.
I have had people on Sunday night when the crowd's a little bit thinner, and I've walked up to that person and shook their hand, I have had them look at me with disdain and say, you walked right by me this morning.
Live it today
Now you might be thinking, hey, you know what, I do feel that way a lot, but it usually works out. Every look, every word, every activity, because you're just adding unnecessary stress to your life internally on your own, damaging a little bit those relationships, and then ultimately finding out it was unnecessary.
Now you might be thinking, hey, sometimes people did mean malice.
Take the idea with you.
- 01Where does the central idea of “Stop Assuming the Worst About People” show up most clearly in my life right now?
- 02What does this episode call me to believe, stop, start, or handle differently?
- 03What is one specific action I can take today instead of merely agreeing with the idea?
Listen to the original episode
This article was adapted from Episode 80 · Memorize Hanlon's Razor. Continue with the podcast for the original teaching in Kris’s voice.
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