Vision 2020Sample

Day 11

Understanding

Proverbs 14:10 (NLT) Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.

Life can be very hard at times. When we look at the world with discerning eyes and sensitive hearts, we see and sense the pain that is carried by people all around us. As we attentively listen to the words beneath the words, even in some of the most casual conversations, we will often hear hurts that are still unhealed.

The tendency we have, as human beings, is to become self-focused, primarily consumed with our own difficulties, disappointments and struggles, without giving much thought to or care for the things others are feeling and facing. Life becomes all about us.

This kind of self-absorption leads us down the slippery slope of self-pity. If we are not careful, we are soon carrying the proverbial “chip on the shoulder,” reacting in frustration and anger to those who do not seem to understand or perceived plight in life.

Many people live this way. They are so wrapped up in their own pain, and in their need for everyone to cater to it, that they never reach out and care about the challenges and difficulties of others around them. They never learn the valuable lesson of understanding others.

The Bible is very clear about life’s pains. It tells us that in every person’s life there will be some bitter pills to swallow. No one has a perfect life. No matter how together someone may look externally, how many benefits and blessings they appear to have, how strong they may seem to be and how many things they have going for them, we all have our own tough times and bitter experiences.

One of the greatest ways to find healing for our own hurts and resolution for our personal disappointments is to cultivate understanding of others. Understanding is the ability to grasp, empathize and sympathize with the pain or problems of others. Understanding does not simply commiserate with someone. In its healthy form, understanding reaches out to help a hurting person rise above their difficulties and distress. Real understand lifts others to new levels of hope and trust in God.

When we seek to understand others, helping them bear their burdens, we force our focus away from our own concerns. We also open our own heart to the flow of God’s healing, strengthening grace. Giving to others is one of the surest and quickest ways to receive what we need from God.

How understanding are you?

What can you do to develop a greater degree of sensitivity and understanding of others? What specific steps can you take today to help someone who is hurting?