It's a simple sentence, but it holds deep wisdom. In a time when it's easy to label others based on a single moment, Lincoln reminds us that understanding doesn't come from distance, it comes from drawing closer. When someone is rude or cold or difficult, when they don't return our hello on the street, our first instinct is to pull away. But what if we paused and asked, what might this person be carrying? What pain or fear don't I see?
At Church Health, we meet people every day who are struggling. Often, what looks like anger or impatience is really just sorrow or exhaustion or betrayal. When someone takes the time to listen, really listen, something begins to change. True friendship is rooted in that kind of presence. It's not about fixing things, it's about being willing to stay, to care, and to hear someone all the way through. That's a discipline I'm personally still working on, but I know it's worth the effort. So the next time you think, I don't like that person, take a breath. Maybe, like Lincoln, what you really need is to get to know the person better. This is Dr. Scott Morris for Church Health.
