Quiet Revolution: Assumed Intent

One of the quickest ways to turn a disagreement into a war is to assign a motive to someone else’s words. We often judge ourselves by our intentions, but we judge others by their actions. If someone disagrees with us, we don't just think they are wrong; we often decide they are being "difficult," "hateful," or "stubborn." We create a villain in our heads before they’ve even finished their sentence, which makes a peaceful resolution almost impossible.

Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV) — "[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

The "always trusts" part is the hardest "Quiet Revolution" discipline. It doesn't mean we are naive or that we ignore facts; it means we choose the most generous explanation for someone's behavior until proven otherwise. When you assume "good intent," you stop fighting a villain and start talking to a person. You might realize they aren't attacking you; they are simply protecting something they value. This shift changes the entire chemistry of the room. It invites the other person to drop their guard because they no longer feel the need to defend their character—only their ideas.

The Challenge: The next time you feel a surge of frustration, stop and ask: "What is the most generous explanation for why this person is saying this?" Choose to believe they have a reason for their perspective that isn't rooted in malice.