If I do not give a friend "The benefit of the doubt," but put the worst construction instead of the best on what is said or done, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
Interpretation
Believing the best in friends is essential to true love and understanding.
The quote emphasizes the importance of giving friends the benefit of the doubt, suggesting that when we interpret their actions negatively instead of positively, we fail to embody the selfless love exemplified by Calvary love. It highlights that true friendship requires trust and a willingness to assume good intentions, rather than jumping to the worst conclusions.
In practice
In a speech about friendship and trust, you might quote this to emphasize the importance of believing in one's friends.
If I am perturbed by the reproach and misunderstanding that may follow action taken for the good of souls for whom I must give account; if I cannot commit the matter and go on in peace and in silence, remembering Gethsemane and the cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
Thank God for the battle verses in the Bible. We go into the unknown every day of our lives, and especially every Monday morning, for the week is sure to be a battlefield, outwardly and inwardly in the unseen life of the spirit, which is often by far the sternest battlefield for souls. Either way, the Lord your God goes before you, He shall fight for you!
When an answer I did not expect comes to a prayer which I believed I truly meant, I shrink back from it; if the burden my Lord asks me to bear be not the burden of my heart's choice, and I fret inwardly and do not welcome His will, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I take offence easily; if I am content to continue in cold unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace," where is no peace; if I forget the poignant word "Let love be without dissimulation" and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting "Who made thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou hast not received?" then I know nothing of Calvary love.
Don't hang out with a bunch of people who drag you down when you can hang out with one person who makes you feel good.
Do not keep on with a mockery of friendship after the substance is gone - but part, while you can part friends. Bury the carcass of friendship: it is not worth embalming.
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.
Here's to us, who's like us Damn few, and they're all dead.
If you laugh with somebody, then you know you share something.
It is only the great hearted who can be true friends. The mean and cowardly, Can never know what true friendship means.
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