Assume Best Intentions

One of the keys to living well is to be immersed in cultures of trust in our families, friendships, places of learning, workplaces and churches. One of the protocols that is often sighted in the promotion of building effective teams, groups and collaboration is to assume that people are acting or speaking with best intentions. Interacting with this assumption opens our minds to considering the why and to exploring more deeply the thoughts or values being held. It opens us up to thinking more from a strength rather than a deficit perspective and invites people to step into the productive space of solution finding. Trust is built as different perspectives and ideas are shared openly and honestly. Where we operate in a world of trust, relationships are strengthened, capability is grown and hope flourishes.

This encouragement to assume best intentions is also contained within Luther’s explanation of the 8th commandment which is “not to give false testimony against your neighbour”. In his explanation, Luther explains that this means that we are to “put the best construction on everything”. Luther advocates that we “defend, speak well of and explain everything in the kindest way”. God wants us to build each other up and to live with hope and trust filled relationships. God reminds us of our constant mutual need for His grace. He encourages us to live with the grace filled courage to bring the best construction into our thinking, words and actions.