“Here, now, you’re broke, aren’t you?”
—George Bailey to give Violet money from his pocket
Believing the best of people is a daily decision. We cannot lose our focus on God’s love—agape. Love is never irritable, believes the best, and keeps no record of having been wronged (1 Corinthians 13:5). Just reading that Scripture makes me catch my breath, because it is a tough standard for us as fleshy human beings. However, learning to live out of God’s agape is the commission of Christ for his disciples. Jesus teaches, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35).
In our lesson, today, from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we will look at a practical application of believing the best—agape. George has wandered outside his parents house where there is a party going on to celebrate the marriage of Harry and Ruth. He knows Harry is not going to stay and take over the business even though he made that commitment years earlier. George is deep in thought as he walks through town to the library. Violet, who has been trying to catch George’s eyes since they were children, sees him, quickly she leaves two other men making a play for her, and comes to see what her chances are for an evening date with George.
Although others make assumptions about Violet’s lifestyle, George has always treated her with respect—he assumes the best about her. When she needs money, George is there to extend it. It is hard for her to take it, because she feels unworthy, but he is kind and wants what is good for her. Even though others have rejected her, he does not diminish her or label her in any way. So, he shields her [and her reputation] from further harm by allowing her to publicly reject his peculiar idea of a great date.
Jesus shielded the outcasts all the time. In fact, he sought them in order to love them back into a spiritually healthy place. Think about Mary Magdalene, the women with an issue of blood, the woman at the well, the tax collectors, the blind, the lame, and the lepers. Jesus protected them from judgment and religious persecution, because they looked to him for salvation.
It is human nature to judge, but Jesus reminds us that is not our place. Most of the time, we are more concerned with the external actions of someone rather than who the person is on the inside. Not Jesus, he showed his love for those rejected, because he knew their hearts. He knows we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and when we understand it, too, we are much kinder to others. Assume the best and look for good in others, today.
OT Reading: 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT But the Lord said to Samuel, “…The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
NT Reading: 1 Peter 4:8 NLT “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
Prayer: Lord, in a world that has cheapened your pure and genuine love, please teach us the Truth. We need to believe the best of one another and look for good. Your love is what we need most, so it is also what others need most, too. Help us share that love, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.