Thinking well takes effort

Charity does not demand being naive, but it does avoid manufacturing hasty condemnations. Sometimes someone acted out of fatigue, ignorance, fear, or surprise, not out of bad intention. Thinking ill of everyone bitters the soul and spoils the atmosphere. Prudent measures can be taken without nurturing resentment. Charity very often begins within, before a single word comes out. A healthy relationship is cared for. It needs fidelity, respect, patience, and truth spoken kindly. When any of that is missing, everything outside may look similar, but inside trust begins to wear down.