The apostle Thomas is often remembered as a doubter because he refused to believe in the resurrection until he saw Jesus for himself, according to John 20:19-29.

Earlier, however, when Jesus had determined to return to Judea where his life was in danger it was Thomas who said to the rest of the apostles, “Let us go also, that we may die with him”, John 11:16. Wow, that’s a fervent commitment!

Knowing of both incidents gives us a choice as to how we will think of Thomas.

Do we tend to remember the negative aspects of one another rather than the positive?

Having done both, I find my mind much more at peace when I try to give others the benefit of the doubt (without being naïve), recalling their virtues, rather than their vices.

Jesus said, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets”, Matthew 7:12. If I want folks to be kind and merciful in their view of me, then Jesus obligates me to do so for them.

I challenge you as I do myself to think especially of those who may often get on your nerves. Start looking for the positives in their lives to emphasize and encourage. If you can learn to do it with them and for them, you will soon find out that you are doing it to your own benefit.