I have them. You have them.

I am one. You are one.

That person…

• …you are constantly battling the thought that they can’t do anything right
• …you are tempted to believe is unforgivable
• …you wish they’d just move on
• …you wonder if there’s such a thing as too much grace
• …you’re convinced doesn’t have a clue

That person(s) that you’re thinking about right now is your that person.

As a recovering judger and teller, I’ve labeled many people as that person. The more I own and understand that I’m also that person the fewer people I label. We have to resist labeling in our minds and hearts, and we need to be aware when we’re spreading our labeling to others by talking about that person. Not easy work.

How do we do this work? I’m doing it by asking myself three questions:

1. How am I praying for that person?
2. How will I stay engaged with that person?
3. When’s the last time that person…

• …had an arm around their shoulder?
• …heard, “I forgive you”?
• …believed they weren’t alone?
• …experienced grace from another human?
• …felt safe with those who knew them well?

It’s hard relationship work. But that person needs it. And as someone else’s that person, I need it.