Looking for the Best in Others

Why is it that we often want to find fault in others instead of looking for the best in them? We sometimes do this with people we do like just as much as with people we don’t like! There are a variety of reasons we would rather seek out the negative over the positive.

First, we do it to feel better about ourselves. I’ve done it to impress others with my wisdom or show how I would handle a situation much better. It’s also in our human nature to blame others when something goes wrong rather than take any blame ourselves. 

Second, some of us like and thrive on the drama and the gossip. Unfortunately, I’ve participated at times myself when I felt like I didn’t have anything interesting or exciting to talk about in my own life. I’ve done it when I’ve felt bored or didn’t want to be perceived as boring. Yet, what if I thrived on only discussing the positive qualities and actions I see in others?!

Last, we obviously look for only faults in those who’ve hurt or offended us. We may become very guarded even after reconciliation. It can be easy to inspect another person’s every action, so we can protect ourselves from getting hurt again.

We also may still be carrying resentment. Therefore, we build up our defenses looking for the person who hurt us to make more mistakes never really letting go of the past.

In today’s verse, Jesus reminds us to not be so judgmental of others, because we will also receive that same judgment. We are to treat others as we would want to be treated, with understanding and kindness. 

I want to practice thinking twice before I speak negatively of someone and why I may be doing this. Let’s focus on lifting others up, speaking positive words, and looking for the best in others first.