To the pure, all things are pure. (Titus 1:15)
Expanded Passage: Titus 1:15
I had a supervisor once who challenged everyone in the meeting to think of the colleagues they were struggling with and change how we thought of them, saying: “They are doing the best that they can.” It took a moment to gather what the intention of the exercise was and then the supervisor said, “Now what would you need to change about yourself to work well with that person?” Ouch. It was not about them changing; it was about us changing our perspective to see the good in others and adjusting our mindset to improve the working relationship.
How would your interactions with others in ministry change if you adopted the belief that they are doing the best they can? Do we look for the good in others even in difficult situations? Ministry requires us to see the good in others and believe that others are serving with a pure intent. This has changed not only how I view colleagues in the workplace, but it has radically changed how I view volunteers in ministry.
By keeping our thoughts wholesome and “pure,” as Paul advised, we can create wholesome relationships that we can rely on to serve well. “To the pure, all things are pure,” and when we seek the good in others, we see goodness everywhere. Seek this goodness in others—both strangers and coworkers.
Look for the good in others.
Stacy Haynes is a mental health therapist, author, podcast host, and children’s ministry pastor in the Wesleyan Church.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
