1 CORINTHIANS 13:7
This phrase, coined by Thomas Inman, dates from 1860. Thomas Inman recommended that his fellow doctors should not prescribe a medicine for a cure if they were not sure it would work. They were to give the patient “the benefit of our doubts.” Why? Each time we attempt to benefit someone, in medicine or everyday life, we also risk harming them. This phrase is also a legal term meaning that if a jury has conflicting evidence that makes the jurors doubtful, they are to give the verdict of “not guilty.”
As Christians, we can learn from and apply this medical and legal phrase to our relationships. Better still, we can learn from the Bible about giving the benefit of the doubt to others. First Corinthians 13:7 says that love “beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” This does not mean that love is naive, but that it does not think the worst. Love is not deceived, but it is always ready to give the benefit of the doubt.
When we hear something negative about others or we are suspicious about the motive for their actions, let us stop before we judge their intentions as wrong or bad. Let us give them the benefit of the doubt.
True love is measured by the benefit of the doubt.
* Lord Jesus, help us to bear all things – regardless of what comes, believe all things – looking for the best in each one, hope all things – remaining steadfast during difficult times and endure all things without weakening. Amen.
