So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

People are usually either pessimists or optimists, and each tends to grate against the other.  It can be a silent war, as each group polarizes the other and tries to associate with those who share their views.  It never occurred to me until the other day that both perspectives are fraught with deception.

The optimist says, “Things may be difficult, but I’m choosing to focus only on the good.”  They are the ones to assure you that everything will be fine. They are not usually comfortable with prolonged crises because of their discomfort in bearing others’ burdens over an extended period.

The pessimist says, “Things are difficult and, most likely, life will stay this way.”  They focus on the worst-case scenarios.  They become lost in the pain and struggle against God’s promises.  They crave others’ compassion, as they should, but when they don’t get enough, they become angry and withdrawn.  They do believe in heaven but propose that one must suffer until they get there. They can be prophets of doom who live to see their self-fulfilling prophecies come true.

Both live in deception.  Having the mind of Christ is the goal for each of us, as our bent toward optimism or pessimism tugs to skew the truth. What is the outlook of Jesus?

• “Life is often painful, and I’m not afraid to feel the impact of that deeply.”
• “Life has many seasons. There are good times, and I will be happy without apology, celebrating life.  There are hard times, and I will grieve deeply, as Jesus did.”

I want to be a compassionate truth-teller to those who suffer around me.  I will validate their pain, encouraging them to express it fully.  I won’t sing them a happy song while they weep. I will not admonish with a sermon. Instead, I will ask questions that nudge them toward God’s perspective of their lives.

Father, give me the mind of Christ in all things.  Amen