“Bear with each another . . forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV.

Acceptance and affirmation are powerfully enabling and ennobling.

My thoughts and comments today are that “nobody is perfect.”

I am sure that it was not original with my Dad but he told me, “You can always find what you’re looking for in people – whether looking for good or bad.” Usually you will only see what you were expecting to find. My expectations of relationships were the context for Dad’s comment. Every person is a diverse mixture of things commendable as well as less noble, of strengths and weaknesses, virtues and vices. You should be prepared for such a common reality, not surprised by it. I long ago learned that I am not perfect; striving to be better, but not perfect. With that realization, how could I expect more of others than I demand of myself? Nobody is perfect; quit expecting them to be.

Paul’s instruction seems to offer a positive response to the relational reality I have stated above. “As God’s chosen people, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-14 NIV. The qualities Paul says you must choose for your own life – compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience – divinely empower you to extend gracious allowance for instances of imperfection exhibited in others.

Often discount stores offer lower prices by selling merchandise that is “irregular.” In the manufacturing process, something was not accomplished to the standard intended. You make a decision that the article is worth its cost to you, whether you know its flaw or not. Wouldn’t relationships be simpler if we allowed one another a bit more grace and a lot more help? People in your community, your neighborhood, at work, at school, in your circle of friends, and even in your family are “irregular” in one way or another or at one time or another, as are you.

When you forget that, you are tempted to try to fix what you see as wrong with others and exasperated at your lack of success or their lack of appreciation for your attempt. The Bible proposes a better way. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:5-8 NIV. Acceptance and affirmation are powerfully enabling to the person who receives them and ennobling to the one who gives them. I have learned that God loves every person just the way they are, but also loves people too much to leave anyone in the same condition as when He found them. Everyone of us is a work in process.

My Dad was right; “You usually find what you’re looking for in people.” Why look for the worst? Look for the best in others and affirm and applaud what you find? You will be happier and they might just surprise you with their improvement. I remember my friend, Campbell, often saying, “The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.” Every person has ample room for improvement. That happens best in the company of friends. I think people, like children, respond positively when accepted as they are and affirmed and assisted to become what they can be. Nobody is perfect, but everyone can and should strive everyday to be a bit more than you were.

My prayer for you today is that you applaud the good you find in others.