We desire to be thought of as a good example of how people should think about other people. A quite noble desire; however, if we desire to be such an example, we must be slow to think the worst of others because eagerness to think unkindly of others is more often than not symptomatic of one’s indifference to his own weaknesses.
Impatience with the frailty of others, or their inability to measure up, or leaping to attribute the unkindest of motives reflects a troubling sense of one’s imperceptiveness of his own failings. We are seldom as quick to welcome the eagerness of others to think ill of us, so why should we be so inclined when considering the actions of other people?
Adopting a humble attitude does not imply that we never approach someone about a problem, but rather it simply means that when we do so, it will be because of an undeniable reality rather than an unwise and ungracious perception.
“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
