Words on a page can be hard to interpret. It is our common practice now to text or email. This produces words without the tonality of speech, the facial expressions, or the posture of the one sending it. It becomes very easy to take offense when all we see are the words devoid of the person. Are we responsible to believe the best in these types of communication? The answer is a big YES! Let’s keep the reason very simple: the words came from a person. There’s a big reason why we don’t believe the best; that reason is self. We run all the words we read through a grid of how it affects us. Our reading is done with the “me glasses” on. The Lord has given us instructions concerning how we are to respond to others.

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” [Philippians 2:3.]

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” [John 13:34.]

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”      [1 Corinthians 13:7.]

As we consider these verses, we learn that our response to others needs to be done in humility. To be humble, we need to rid ourself of pride and arrogance. Our conversations are to be received in a manner that puts the other person first. We believe the best of that person, because we are to love her. Jesus gave us the command to love one another. He didn’t do this without being the perfect example of humility and love for us. We are to learn from his example and follow it. Therefore, as we read words written to us, it is the person we consider behind the words.

To do this takes time and effort. Our default is to seek to protect ourself from harm. At times, we can create harm by not considering the person behind the words. Are there times when we say things, or others say things to hurt and harm? Absolutely! However, that is not the majority of the time. We are talking about our own response being one of protection rather than love. The truth is we can’t protect ourself from harmful words, but God can and will give us grace to respond well. We must put ourselves in God’s protecting hands. He’s got us! That is the very reason we can believe the best of others.

We will receive many communications during this season. Let’s make it our goal to be humble, loving, and like Jesus as we read each one. What a wonderful opportunity to let Christ shine!

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]