Always Assume Positive Intent

You’re driving down the highway when suddenly someone cuts you off. Your first thought? Probably anger. Maybe you assume they’re careless or rude. But what if, instead, you assumed they were rushing to the hospital to see a loved one? Or imagine a co-worker responds to you with a sharp tone. Your instinct might be to think, ‘They don’t respect me.’ But what if you assumed they had a tough morning? Maybe they argued with their spouse or got bad news before work.

It takes just as much energy to assume the best as it does to assume the worst.

The situation is the same, but your perspective changes everything. Choosing to assume positive intent doesn’t mean ignoring real problems. It means leading with grace instead of suspicion. Suspicion builds walls, but grace builds bridges. The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” When you choose grace first, frustration is replaced with compassion. Offense gives way to understanding. And instead of fueling conflict, you make room for peace.

You never know the battles someone else is fighting.

What looks like indifference may be exhaustion. What looks like criticism may be fear. What looks like neglect may be the weight of hidden burdens. Every time you assume positive intent, you choose peace over conflict. Empathy over resentment. Relationship over division. So practice this today. Pause before you react. Ask instead of assuming. Choose kindness as your first response. Because when you assume positive intent, you don’t just change the way you see others. You change the way they see Christ in you. Let your first guess always be grace.