James Autrey, in his book For Love and Profit, credits one of his staff members with teaching him a key leadership principle; the presumption of goodwill. He states that he watched her bring calm to warring parties and develop creative solutions to problems between people by opening her meeting with this sentence: “Now, let’s presume that everyone here has goodwill toward each other, and proceed from there.”
Jesus presumed the best about people…even when they nailed him to the cross. Moreover, Jesus presumes the best in us. He sees us as future kings and queens and is quick to excuse and forgive our lesser acts, knowing we are capable of so much more. In fact, if you look at what is written in the Gospels… “Yes, Peter. You denied me. But you will be my ROCK. Yes, Mary, you’ve had men who weren’t your husband. But you are capable of great love.”
Since he saw the best in us, he could handle the worst in us. He knew that with divine help and a willingness on our part, everything could be made right. The wounds in his hands would heal.
“Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do, (Luke 23:33).” This statement is like a blanket of mercy thrown over our most fearful deed. We were not the best to him, but he believed we wanted to be. He said so with his dying breath. That is why he was such a great negotiator on our behalf. He believed that ultimately we could make the angels sing and God truly proud.
Jesus harbored only goodwill. I believe he sets the example of how we should be as people and as the church. May each of us grow and learn from our experiences and treat one another with the presumption of goodwill.
Pastor Scott
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