The others that we meet do not have the same background as ourselves. Many pro tour tennis players are from the countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Latvia, Belarus, Slovakia, China, Czech Republic, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, India, Morocco, South Africa, Colombia, Brazil, Chile and on and on..). They are not just people who have a different story but a unique culture, language and family situation.
There is an old American Indian saying, "Before I judge a man, let me first walk a mile in his moccasins (shoes)."
Many players have come through some very difficult circumstances to get to where they are (the top of the tennis world). Can you imagine getting to the top any profession with little or no support from others except your parents. This includes but is not limited to: Finances - to travel (and yes, they were often hungry), visas (to this day, they have difficulty with traveling and perhaps even have to pay gratuitous money to local officials). War - national occurrences now or the recent past. Family -members lost their lives in the wars or because of a lack of health care. Tennis - Few tennis courts and equipment that are often not affordable.
What we see today of someone is often not even close to the 'full' story. Sympathize, be understanding and realize that each person has a story behind that face. You do not reach the top of anything without great sacrifice. Be understanding, make suggestions and don't be a critic until you have walked in that persons path.
Jesus said "Follow me“ (Mark 1:17) and He did not say "Be me". You will then have compassion, be a friend and understand what He did.
This is the last of the series on how to reach others with the Good News. Read each at these links: 1. Compassion 2. Friendship 3. Walk in my shoes 4. My own defining moments - My shoes
