A car pulled up beside us the other day, obviously mad. I am not sure if I had done something unknowingly, like cut them off, or if they had me confused with another large white van. I know those things happen and people get mad easily, especially when it comes to traffic. But it did get me thinking about my teenage daughter and how she is about to start driving. Will people be patient and understanding with her? As new driver she is sure to make plenty of mistakes. I even looked in to getting magnets for car that say, “Student driver: patience please.”
Mistakes and Offenses
We all make mistakes and not just when it comes to driving. We have all said and done things that have hurt or offended others. And just like in driving, sometimes we are quick to place blame on one another. We believe that their actions were intentional or careless. But often, like in driving, we don’t see how our actions effect someone else.
Esteem Others
As Christians, we are supposed to be patient and understanding, giving each other the benefit of the doubt. It is not always easy and it is something we have to work at and be reminded of. Paul wrote in Philippians 2:1-5:
Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.
As followers of Christ, let us be patient and consider others. Let us strive to have the same mind that is also in Christ Jesus.
Youth and Family Minister