Friday Minute: Friday Minute: Finding godly vision to respond to bad behavior

But the next time we bristle at the abrupt behavior of those who soothe their unhappiness in the world’s titillating hug, remember that Jesus extended his embrace to these same persons. He did so with true charity, where “perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18).

Fear motivates so much of today’s bad behavior, but such feelings do not define the soul. They are a mask, which Jesus can strip away in the warm exposure of love, friendship and the trust so evident in the life he led.

If we are quick to condemn the people behind the boom boxes and other outrageous attention-getters, consider that charity “is not easily provoked” (Moroni 7:45) and “for man looketh upon the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh upon the heart” (1 Samuel. 16:7).

William Monahan is a 1980 graduate of BYU Law School. He practices law in Gilbert, Ariz. A former Phoenix stake president, he serves on the high council for the Queen Creek Chandler Heights Stake. He is active in Arizona Interfaith and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He is an adjunct professor of business law and ethics at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. He and his wife are the proud parents of seven children and 13 grandchildren.