Midweek: Why I Don't

I don't say "thank you" when you hold the door because sometimes my thoughts are far away.

I don't vote the way you do because my life experiences are different than yours and so are my values.

I don't view the use of alcohol the same way you do because my relationship with the Lord is not your relationship with the Lord.

I don't view vaccinating my children the same way you do because I am trying to be the best parent I can be, and the research I have done leads me to believe as I do.

I don't live the way you do because the way I live is what I believe is best for my family and me.

I don't volunteer as much as you do because I have as much as I can handle on my plate right now.

I don't clean my house as well as you clean yours because we all prioritize differently.

I don't permit my child to do things you may permit because neither one of us is a perfect parent.

I don't work or worship or shop or travel or serve or indulge or speak the way you do because we are not the same. We face or fear our Creator in different ways but not by different standards. Let us all be mindful of our differences and be kind in spite of them. Let us all be willing to listen to the hearts of others and compassionate enough to speak the truth. Let us love one another as Jesus Christ has loved us.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

~ John 13:34, 35