On life (109) – ”You Never Know” – 16/1/2016

   In the previous article, we spoke of misjudgment and how it obstructs the correct evaluation of people, thus creating clashes, instead of cooperation, amongst humans. We also spoke of the expectations we draw of people’s lives and characters which might turn out to be disappointing. This can frustrate us. We recounted the story of the painter and the poor people of his village.

   The other story is about two young men who were serving a charity organization. It came to pass that the organization needed some funding to provide from some poor people. The two men decided to seek their relatives’ help.

   During one of their visits, they heard the father scolding his son for lighting a candle using two matches instead of one. “He must be stingy,” they thought. They hurriedly decided that there was no point seeking his help and that it was better to leave. Yet, having asked them about the reason for coming, one of them told him they came over to ask for money to help the needy. The young man spoke hesitantly, for he thought he would give them nothing.

   The man left them for a few seconds, only to return with a huge sum of money and say, “Should you need more, do not hesitate to come over!” Astonished as they were, they could hardly thank him except with a few words and an invitation to attend the giving out day. They left remorsefully, for they were hasty to judge the man without knowing the nature of the situation.

   You never know what people are going through. You are not fully aware of their problems or hardships which require leniency or strictness, either. So, only judge people insofar as your own affairs with them are concerned. Evaluate these affairs only, that you may not judge unfairly. Only God knows people’s hearts, thoughts and dispositions. Trust Him. He will help you, even if others let you down. Treat everybody simply, lovingly, and wisely so you might not create barriers between you and people.

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center