One of the most central convictions in Christianity can also be one of the most difficult to play out in our daily lives – the idea that people can change. It’s a work of God that we begin to believe that he can change us, but it’s often a far greater miracle when we believe others can change as well. It’s funny, for as much as we think we can size people up, we’re adamant in our insistence when others claim to know us – “don’t judge me, you don’t know me.”

What if you didn’t “know” the next person you ran into? Regardless the vibe a stranger is throwing; are you leaving them room to surprise you? Despite all of your history with a familiar person, what would happen if you approached your next moment with them as if it was the first?

Unknowing is grace, it’s mercy, it’s love, it’s full of expectation and hope, it’s believing people can change and giving them an environment to do so.

This week, practice unknowing. Give people the freedom and space to be different than anyone you’ve ever met – like you’ve never known them.

• The next encounter you have with a stranger, do your best to not put them in a convenient cultural box. Let their actions and words speak for themselves.
• The next encounter you have with a difficult person you’ve known for a while, don’t let yourself “know” how they will act or respond. Approach them with the same curiosity you would a new person you are interested in.
• When appropriate, give someone a do-over and lend them your trust one more time.