Do you readily give the “benefit of the doubt” to others? It is a great habit to adopt. Of course, it is difficult when someone directly hurts you or is downright offensive to you. However, learning to assume the best in others can be a great benefit.
Why Is It Right to Give the “Benefit of the Doubt?”
We All Need Grace
Giving the benefit of the doubt will help you to choose grace for yourself and others. Remembering who gives us Grace can help tremendously in offering it to others. I don’t know about you, but I am continually receiving grace from God, more than I deserve. I too want to be able to extend that to others.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
Life Is More Peaceful
When we go about life believing the best in others, it will be more peaceful. Have you ever noticed the internal struggle you have when you hang on to the wrongs you perceive others have done to you? It can become all you think about, and bitterness can set in.
Releasing the aching pain can do wonders for us.
We Gain Perspective
There are so many ways to look at a situation, and we aren’t always right.
Our Relationships Become Easier and Closer
When we concentrate on what is good in another person, it can only enhance our relationship.
Now to me, this doesn’t mean pushing all my thoughts and emotions under the rug where they can’t be found. Nor does it mean being a doormat where I get stomped on over and over again. But it does mean approaching people and circumstances in a new way by believing the best in others, and sometimes it will mean letting it go without confrontation.
Is it hard for you to offer the benefit of the doubt to others?
Jennifer linked up a beautiful post last week reflecting on a hurt she was willing to let go of and offer grace and forgiveness. She helps us to pause and step back for a closer look. Jennifer walks us through some pertinent questions to ponder about our own emotional behavior when feeling wronged.
Yikes, as I read her words, I recognized a recent encounter which could have been handled in a much better way. I failed to pause and reflect and instead got hooked on being right. As a result, more pain was encountered than necessary, and reconciliation took longer. While concentrating on grace would have been a better choice. Do you ever do this?
Jennifer has a lovely website called, “Tea with Jennifer” where you will find a cup of inspiration. Be sure to click over and read our featured post.
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“Ouch! That Hurt! Emotional Pain…”
By Jennifer
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Giving the benefit of the doubt is one of the 4 life lessons that I try to follow! I love this reminder here to keep at it. Thanks, Maree! It seems like a small thing but it can make such a big difference in our relationships.
Lisa – I would love to hear your other three life lessons. This one is a good one. Maree
When I have been wronged, I always tend to feel that it is so intentional. However, when I wrong someone, I always tend to feel that they should understand that I meant no harm. If I can learn to accept that most people are doing their best, even the evil ones, without intentionally putting myself in harms way by being ignorant or a door mat, I will save myself a lot of heartache.
Great point! “If I can learn to accept that most people are doing their best, I will save myself a lot of heartaches.” Such a true statement. Yet, not always easy to do. Thank you for adding your wisdom to our conversation. Maree
Thank you Maree for featuring my post! What an honor!
I’m glad it inspired you for this post 😀
Many blessings,
Jennifer
You had a wonderful post to feature. It has me thinking all week about giving the benefit of the doubt. I need to practice it more. Maree
This gives me a lot to think about. laurensparks.net
Lauren – It does me too. Maree
It’s not always easy but always so much better when we give the benefit of the doubt to someone. We want others to think the best of us, so of course we should do the same for them. Blessings to you!
Gayl – I love the way you put it, “We want others to think the best of us, so of course we should do the same for them.” Great point! Thank you – Maree
When i was a teacher, giving the benefit of doubt was something I had to constantly keep in mind. I think I do usually give others the benefit of doubt, but there is certainly room for improvement. I receive grace from God whether I deserve it or not. What a wonderful example for all of us!
Laurie, I bet as a teacher giving the benefit of the doubt was helpful. You are so right we are given so much undeserving grace from God. I need to remember that as I try to give the benefit of the doubt. Thank you for the reminder. Maree
I try to give the benefit of the doubt, but my natural tendency is to be wary (like many, I’ve been hurt in the past). This is a great reminder! Thank you!
It is hard when we have been hurt, especially if it is the same person who keeps doing it. Maree