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Key Bible Verse: So why do you condemn another Christian? Why do you look down on another Christian? (Romans 14:10). Bonus Reading:Romans 14:11-13

I had never liked "Jerry," a Christian leader in my community. True, I'd never met him. Yet I "knew" that Jerry oozed arrogance—and I "knew" that he didn't respect me. Why would I want to meet a person so stuck-up and judgmental?

One day as I filled my plate at a local diner, I turned and came face to face with Jerry. Flustered, I said, "Hello, Jerry. I don't think we've ever met. My name is Matt Woodley."

Jerry's eyes lit up. "Oh, my goodness," he effused. "I'm so happy to meet you, I've heard so many good things about you and your church. I hear you're having such a positive impact on this community. I even hear you're a writer. I have so much respect for you. It's good to meet you!"

I felt myself shrinking in shame. I had assumed that Jerry's heart seethed with noxious attitudes toward me. A stingy spirit entraps us in suspicion, self-righteousness, and misery.

But people like Jerry reveal a Christlike commitment to see the best in other people, until it's proven otherwise. They refuse to rely on hearsay or assumptions; instead, they base their opinions on face-to-face and heart-to-heart conversations. Generosity of spirit makes us and God very happy.

—Mathew Woodley in Discipleship Journal

My Response: When in doubt, do I assume the best or the worst? Why?

Thought to Apply: Generosity of spirit builds Christlike relationships; stinginess of spirit undermines and eventually shatters them.—MATHEW WOODLEY (New York pastor)

Adapted from Discipleship Journal (7-8/05) by permission.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, I'm on the receiving end of Your grace big time! Help me to dish it out to others.

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