At times we react to the behavior of those around us based on incomplete information. We fill in our information gaps with broad and often incorrect assumptions about the motives of others. We make rash judgments. Anger and pride cloud our understanding and distort our assumptions. Fractured relationships can ensue. The following old Welsh story illustrates the problems we can get ourselves into when we rush to judge others' motives based upon incomplete information and faulty assumptions.
"...A prince...returned home to find his dog with blood dripping down its face. The man rushed inside and, to his horror, saw that his baby boy was missing and his cradle overturned. In anger the prince pulled out his sword and killed his dog. Shortly thereafter, he heard the cry of his son—the babe was alive! By the infant’s side lay a dead wolf. The dog had, in reality, defended the prince’s baby from a murderous wolf." (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "One Key to a Happy Family", Ensign, Oct. 2012.)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf notes the following about this sad tale:
"Though this story is dramatic, it demonstrates a point. It opens the possibility that the story we tell ourselves about why others behave a certain way does not always agree with the facts—sometimes we don’t even want to know the facts. We would rather feel self-justified in our anger by holding onto our bitterness and resentment. Sometimes these grudges can last months or years. Sometimes they can last a lifetime." (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "One Key to a Happy Family", Ensign, Oct. 2012.)
In our lives, we need to ensure that we aren't rushing to judge the motives of others. We need to be cautious about assuming what people's real intents are toward us. We need to avoid taking offense. As we do, we will avoid fracturing our relationships with others and better live the Savior's command to love one another.
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