I learned something a long time ago. I wish I could say that it’s a nugget of wisdom that I live by every day, but most of the time I don’t.

I’m very forgetful when it comes to grace, especially when it concerns other people. I always want grace for myself but I am not as good at giving it as I am in receiving it.

What I learned is that with every single person you meet, there is one single fact about that person that if you knew, it would completely change how you saw that person. It could be a secret health battle. It could be an addiction. It could be any number of anxieties or insecurities.

I’ve never been a big believer in first impressions. So often, we don’t always put our best foot forward. You may very well catch me on an off day or in an off moment. I might find you out of sorts for reasons that have nothing to do with me and if I were in your shoes, I’d act exactly the same way.

The simple solution is to be kind. Err toward grace instead of criticism or condemnation. Remember that it was God’s kindness that led you to repentance. The one who had the most right to cut you off and write you off instead loved you most and died for you so that you might have true life and peace and joy.

So be kind the way God was kind to you.