Blog #9: Charity

"Charity can be the lens through which we see each other" (Goddard, 114).

Seeing others through the "lens" of charity is definitely not easy to accomplish, especially when it comes to annoyances and frustrations in a marriage, but the outcome from trying, with constant effort and "starting over," will do nothing but improve your relationship with God and each other.

In Goddard's book, I enjoyed reading this quote by Marvin J. Ashton: 

"Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down" (pg. 116).

How can we apply this quote to our marriages?

I feel like having charity is something I'm constantly working on (aren't we all?). I've noticed that I'm good at showing charity in some areas of my life, and need more work at it in other areas. I love how Marvin J. Ashton says "charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings.." As humans, we want to be accepted - imperfections and all. How can we expect this treatment from others yet struggle to do it to our own spouses? 

I think "treating others the way we want to be treated" is a good way to look at charity.