Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we donโt judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someoneโs differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesnโt handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of anotherโs weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other
Marvin J. Ashton...Many of us are perpetual reactors. We let other people determine our actions and attitudes. We let other people determine whether we will be rude or gracious, depressed or elated, critical or loyal, passive or dedicated.
Marvin J. AshtonHow damaging is a habit that permits faultfinding, character assassination, and the sharing of malicious rumors! Gossip and caustic comments often create chains of contention.
Marvin J. AshtonThere is a gift available to all of us-the gift of looking to God for direction. Here is an avenue of strength, comfort, and guidance. . . . "Look to God and live." This is the wonderful promise given so often in the scriptures. . . . Our capacity to see and comprehend is increased only in proportion to our willingness to look. God becomes more approachable as we look to him.
Marvin J. AshtonListening is more than being quiet. Listening is much more than silence. Listening requires undivided attention. The time to listen is when someone needs to be heard. The time to deal with a person with a problem is when he has the problem. The time to listen is the time when our interest and love are vital to the one who seeks our ear, our heart, our help, and our empathy.
Marvin J. Ashton