Jul
27
Assume Positive Intent
I think assuming positive intent can be extended to all people regardless of age. Each of us is trying to make things work for us in the only ways we know how. These ways may be woefully misguided at times, but that doesn’t make the need we’re trying to meet any less valid.
Martin Luther’s explanation of the eighth commandment — “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16) — reads like this:
We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, or defame our neighbor, but defend him, [think and] speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.
Omission or commission, a sin is a sin. Lord, have mercy.
