[232 words]
…when the other fellow acts that way, he is ugly; when you do, it is nerves.
…when others are set in their ways, they’re obstinate; when you are, it is firmness.
…when your neighbor doesn’t like your friend, he is prejudiced; when you don’t like his, you are a good judge of human nature.
…when he tries to treat someone especially well, he’s guilty of insincere flattery; when you try it, you are being thoughtful.
…when he takes time to do things well, he’s a slowpoke or lazy; when you do, you are deliberate and careful.
…when he spends a lot, he is a spendthrift; when you do, you’re generous.
…when someone picks flaws in things, he’s cranky and critical; when you do, you are creative.
…when he is mild-mannered, you call him weak; when you are, it’s graciousness.
…when someone dresses especially well, that person is extravagant; when you do, it is tastefulness.
…when he says what he thinks, he’s spiteful; when you do, you are being frank.
…when he takes great risks in business, he’s foolhardy; when you do, you are a wise financier.
Jesus said that we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). Therefore, we should extend the same grace and benefit of the doubt to our neighbors as we do to ourselves. It is wrong to condemn others for what we practice.
B.J. Clarke