How often do we make the same mistake?

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. (Proverbs 15:18 ESV)

 Several years ago, a minister from the United States went to visit one of his denomination’s congregations in Africa. When he got up to the pulpit to preach, he noticed by the style of clothing that members of one of the local tribes sat in the front of the room while those from a different tribe seemed to be forced to sit in the back.
 Knowing that there was much tribal animosity in the country, the minister scrapped his notes and began preaching about unity, how we are all one in Christ and how we are to love our spiritual brothers. After the condemning sermon, the visiting minister sat down and the local pastor leaned over to him and stated, “Our members sit in different sections out of love and respect for one another. In our culture, it is our way of showing honor to the visiting tribe by giving them the best seats in the church.”
 Had the preacher not jumped to conclusions, he would have saved himself from humiliation and from offending the church members. While he might not have had the opportunity to ask why they sat apart before his sermon, he could have certainly done so afterwards.
 How often do we make the same mistake in our relationships?
 If you find yourself regularly getting frustrated, angry, or even furious at others, it is possibly because you haven’t considered the benefits of doubting.—Another’s intentions!—Michael Webb [1]

 Jesus’ love through the cross has covered a multitude of our sins. Allow His grace to overflow out of that excess to those in your life who offend you. —Laurel Shaler

[1] Anchor Love Covers a Multitude of Sins