Maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

When we forget something, it’s just a little slip of the mind; but when someone else forgets, it is quite often viewed as gross negligence. When we snap at someone because we are irritable, it’s because we are having a bad day; but if someone else snaps at us, we see them as mean-spirited. And of course, if we are late for an appointment, it is because we are having a hectic day; but if the other person is late, we easily accuse them of irresponsibility.

We may chuckle at this, but isn’t this the way we tend to behave? It’s easy to condemn and criticize others for their shortcomings while excusing our own.

We all have faults. And while someone’s fault may strike a sour note in us, be assured that our own faults are striking a similar sour note in others around us. Jesus did not tell us to judge others, but to have love for others. The Body of Christ is made stronger by our willingness to use our voices to uplift and affirm rather than to use them to criticize the actions and shortcomings of those around us.

God of Love and Justice, may we always affirm those around us and grant us the wisdom to accept each one without judgment!