Are You Willing to Understand?
Most want to be understood, but how many seek to understand others? Most want to be shown mercy, but how many actually extend mercy? Everyone has struggles of various sorts and degrees. Every individual has a unique background; and yet, many have experiences that mirror others. All make mistakes, say and do things they regret, and wish they could take them back. Since they can’t, they would like to right the wrongs. Sometimes they can, and sometimes they cannot.
Perhaps, some have difficulty understanding others, because they don’t understand themselves. Have you ever said or done something you regretted, and didn’t even know why? There are numerous influences that shape the way think, which effects our speech and behavior. We will not drill down on the specifics behind those influences at this point. The bottom line is we are all human. We all need mercy, but we are also required to give it. Are you willing to understand? Do you extend mercy to others?
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (see also Matthew 5:43-48; 18:21-35).
By the way, being willing to understand goes a long way ridding one’s self from self-deception, and becoming self-aware. Moreover, it gives Holy Spirit the greenlight to show you what you need to see about yourself, and others. If you are willing to understand others, you’ll be able to get past negative words and behavior much easier. In fact, it may very well lead you to have compassion for them. Who knows, it may even help you be merciful to yourself, so you can move on in life.
Jesus Understood
When Jesus came into the world, He understood humanity and extended mercy. He went about doing good, revealing the love of the Father. Though He was merciful to those around Him, many were not merciful to Him. In fact, they nailed Him to the Cross. But then, that’s the reason He came. Out of love, He went to the Cross bearing our sins, so that we may be reconciled onto God. He perfectly understood our condition; in fact, He experienced our humanity. The Bible tells us that He was tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin (see Hebrews 11:5).
Hebrews 2:14-18 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour (aid, help or deliver) them that are tempted.
Maybe it feels like no one understands you. You might even feel stuck in a place you are desperate to escape. As cliché as this may sound, it is nevertheless true: Jesus understands you, and He is the One Who can you get you unstuck. You’re the reason He came to this earth. He loves you. He is our Reason for living.
Merry Christmas!
