There are many ways to be generous. As we've discussed over the past few weeks, we can be generous with our money and with our time. We can also be generous with our attitude. You know that person who cut you off in traffic? Instead of assuming that he is just a big jerk, it might be worthwhile to wonder if there could be another reason for his actions. Maybe he just found out that a loved one is in the hospital. Maybe he just lost his job and is preoccupied with worry. Perhaps he shouldn't be on the road, but flipping him the "bird" probably won't make the situation better either!

In the course of our lives we will all experience slights. Our best friend will forget our birthday. Our loved one will say something we consider mean-spirited. A generosity in attitude could lead us to explore the situation further before jumping to conclusions. It is hard work to cultivate a generous attitude. Sometimes it is easier to just honk the horn or cut off communication with our thoughtless friend. However, the work of cultivating a generous attitude just might keep us from stewing over imagined hurts and lead to deeper, stronger relationships.

I wonder if this is what Jesus was getting at when he told us to turn the other cheek. "But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:39) Some have suggested that this passage encourages us to be doormats. I don't believe that Jesus would want any of his followers to submit to abusive behavior. Instead, I wonder if Jesus is encouraging us to resist the urge to jump to conclusions and, instead, be generous in our dealings with each other. In this passage Jesus goes on to say, "And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." Maybe that person needs it more!

I certainly struggle with cultivating a generous attitude. Being generous in attitude is a spiritual discipline. It is so easy to assume that I know another's motivations and intentions. It is so easy to see slights when there are, instead, simple miscommunications. Spiritually, though, I want to see the best in people, not the worst.

When have you been generous in attitude? When have you not? How can you practice a generosity of attitude today?