Like death, taxes and reality TV, giving someone or something the benefit of the doubt is an ever-present part of life, even when we don’t know it.
I like Wikipedia’s definition the phrase: A favourable judgement given in the absence of full evidence.
My wife did this the other day when, while at work, she emailed the names of a half-dozen fruits and vegetables to add to my grocery shopping list. She gave me the benefit of the doubt that I’d see the email and buy those items without her having to phone and check up on me. (A risky move on her part, I’ll admit.)
This approach is the foundation of most of our thinking:
- We fly thousands of feet above the ground without evidence that every bit of the airplane is in perfect working order;
- We drive our cars without being absolutely certain the muffler won’t fall off;
- We marry someone even though there’s no scientific way to prove they will always be faithful;
- We pay to watch a movie with only the presence of a favourite actor as evidence we’ll enjoy it.
Giving benefit of the doubt is also the meeting point for me and Jesus of Nazareth (who many people believe is the Son of God). Before deciding to follow Jesus, I had many tough, in-depth debates with some brave Jesus followers who were willing to field my questions and charges.
I still recall one conversation with a friend who, like me now, didn’t understand everything about his faith and didn’t have all the answers to my questions (or his). But he did ask me this: would I be willing to give God the benefit of the doubt, just as he had?
I didn’t answer immediately, but over time I said yes because I figured it would put me in a much better place, now and for eternity. And that’s exactly what it’s done.
Since then, I’ve come to realize that giving God the benefit of the doubt, day after day, is part of following Jesus. Why? Because it’s a powerful and necessary reminder that God is God and I am NOT. I like how an ancient writer defines it: “Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.”
Spiritual faith is such a tough concept for our culture that many people would rather put their faith in a parachute or a bungee cord. But if you want it – if you’re ready to give God the benefit of the doubt, just as you do for countless other things – then you can have your life transformed. And you can be where Jesus most wants you to be: by His side, in Heaven, forever.
Do you agree? Do you think I’m crazy? Post your thoughts below and let’s have a conversation.
Frank's Cottage 
The opposite of faith is not doubt – it’s fear. Not only will we eventually be “by his side, in Heaven, forever”, we will know that we are engaged fully in what he prayed for “…thy will be done, your kingdom come, on Earth as it is in Heaven”.
Not only do we look forward to life in Heaven, we are participating in the great work of bringing the life of Heaven to Earth.
Ross in Kansas City
Great thoughts, Ross. Thanks for reading and contributing. 🙂
That’s how it all started with me – giving God the benefit of the doubt. And, I’ve grown in my faith ever since!
Blessings, Frank!
Glad to hear it, Martha. 🙂
Why not give Mohammed the benefit of the doubt? Or Zeus, or Thor, or any of the thousands of other gods man has invented over the years?
Well, Jimmy, I guess if you think Mohammed or Zeus or Thor or others have the power of God and Jesus – whom serious Christians believe is God’s son – then go ahead and give them the benefit of the doubt.
I think they have exactly the same power as Jesus and God – ie none.
But that’s moot, you seem to be saying that the reason you believe God and Jesus have all this power, and are using it to look out for you and other believers, is that you are giving them the benefit of the doubt. So again, I ask, why not Mohammed, or Zeus or Thor?
And I return the favour, Jimmy, by asking: why you think humanity “invented” the creator and master of time, space and the universe?
I somewhat agree and I don’t think you’re crazy, but I would say that:
“Faith (affords) us (comfort) of what we hope for and gives us (hope for) what we cannot see.”
This, I think,-perfectly reasonable.
I gave the benefit of the doubt to God for 34 years. At some point I had to stop and look rationally at my beliefs and at whether they were hurting or helping me. They were hurting me so I began to question and let go.
I am happy for people who find religion serves them well. But when it comes to the question this post asks: why not give God the benefit of the doubt? I did. Why waste more of my life?
A couple of thoughts, Heather:
1. “Religion” rarely serves anyone well. More often than not, it leads to guilt and/or judgementalism that alienates others as we struggle to follow all the rules and keep up appearances. At its heart, Christianity is not about religion. It’s about a person – Jesus Christ – and having a relationship with Him, now and for all eternity.
2. I’m saddened that your beliefs were hurting you. I would very much like to know how; if you would care to elaborate (here or privately at fdking@hotmail.com), perhaps I can somehow speak into what happened to you.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Heather. I appreciate it. 🙂
Our human side needs more to see things, but our spiritual side, our soul needs more faith to understand facts and things which we can’t see them.
Anyway, it is generally known that we can’t accept things which we can’t understand and still doubt about them. Regarding myself, faith and hope are important because through them I can actually see God in my life and in the simple, daily things.
I think most important things here on the Earth can’t be seen, but felt with your heart. So, by reading and observing, I find out about God, but by having hope and faith I can feel Him in my life. A very relevant essay, be blessed!
Thanks for reading and for your thoughtful response, Dana. I appreciate it. 🙂