Believe Them The First Time

I always try to look for the good in others.  I want to believe that there is goodness in everyone.  That everybody has a good heart…that everybody wants to help others…that everybody wants to see others blessed.

For the most part, I believe that it’s true.  I believe that most people have some goodness in them.  However, as I have gotten older, I’ve learned that evilness and goodness cannot co-exist in a person. One of them will win out every time and will dictate their human’s behavior and actions in life.  I use the word, ‘evilness’ just as a comparison to ‘goodness’.   Because if you aren’t a good person, what should you be called?

In our today’s politically correct society, we are constantly told,  “don’t judge” or “you have no right to judge” or “only God can judge”.  But, I also take to heart the saying, “you can judge a behavior without condemning a soul”.  I can’t really say what makes a person good or bad.  Neither can you.  However, you can look at a person’s actions and determine whether or not their character is good or bad.  And it is something you should do. You always need to know just who it is you are keeping company with…

Have you ever had something in your mind or your heart that kind of strikes you the wrong way and it won’t go away? You see something a person does or hear something they say and you think “hmmm, that doesn’t feel just right” or “that could have and should have been handled differently”. Listen to your gut.  Listen to your heart.  They are trying to show you who that person is.

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. ~Maya Angelou

I’m not talking about minor things.  I’m not talking about what clothes someone wears or their table manners.  I’m talking about character issues.  How they treat people, are they inclusive, do they handle others with kindness, do they bless others, are they reactive, do they take the high-road, do they encourage others, are they uplifting, are they jealous, are they controlling of friendships or relationships, etc.?

If you see someone do something that’s negative toward another or hear someone say something that is negative about another, you are being given a glimpse of their character.  Don’t think they are just having a bad day.  They are showing you who they really are.  If it comes out of their mouth, it is in their heart.  Pay attention.  And trust your gut.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe in second chances.  I believe in new beginnings.  I also believe that you have to stand for what is right and if that means not giving someone a second chance, so be it. God tells us we must forgive.  He does not tell us that we have to stick around for more of the same.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where your gut tells you to disassociate yourself, listen.  If you feel like you need to disassociate from a friend or friends, do it. If you see something in a person, don’t wait for them to show it to you again.  Once is enough.  Believe them the first time.

Sending you blessings of love and gratitude from Sterrett, Alabama!

Charity
Copyright © Charity M. Richey-Bentley 2018