“In our own case we accept excuses too easily. In other peoples we do not accept them easily enough.” ~ C.S.Lewis.
Many years ago I found myself thinking about a word. I felt like the Lord was saying to me “If only my people had more of this, the world would be a better place.”
That word was understanding.
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines understanding as “a friendly or harmonious relationship; an agreement of opinion or feeling adjustment of differences”.
Let’s be honest with one another, how understanding are we?
We are born selfish.
New born babies demand to have things their way. They cry and scream on the top of their lungs for their bottle or for their diaper to be changed and/or for any other need they may have.
As children grow up they have to be taught to be selfless. They have to learn the meaning of sharing.
Then as young adults, and as Christians, we learn to think of others first because God tells us to do so. In Philippians 2:3-4 it says the following:
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
But let’s be honest, it’s very difficult to live selflessly.
Even as adults we are still selfish; it is part of our sinful nature that we were born with.But as Christians we are called to live in the Spirit not in our flesh.
I believe one of the key reasons it is so hard for us to live harmoniously with one another is because we aren’t being intentionally understanding of others.
God wants us to serve others, to be selfless.
You can live selflessly by being understanding of other people’s needs and wants.
Next time someone treats you rudely, instead of getting upset, take a moment to think of why this person may be so disrespectful. Or, the next time you find yourself disagreeing with someone, stop to deeply think of where the other person may be coming from.
Maybe they are stressed about something in their life, struggle with an addiction., or were raised in an unhealthy home
…Or maybe they don’t intimately know the love of Jesus.
We just never know where someone is coming from. How can we be Jesus to this world if we don’t have the same attitude towards people as He did?
Jesus is always understanding.
Ever since I was made aware of this word, and have started working consciously on being a more understanding person, my relationships have changed.
More importantly, I have changed.
I’m not offended as easily.
I’m not as frustrated.
I’m not as angry.
Being an understanding person is life changing. Whenever we walk in God’s ways we will always live in more freedom and in more peace.
It’s worth living life His way.
Won’t you try and be more intentionally understanding of others?
Leave me a comment on your thoughts on this subject.
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ~ Galations 5:13-14
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