Devotionals

Misunderstood

by John Custer
06/19/20
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Misunderstood

I noticed immediately the sad look on my wife’s face when I returned from my bike ride.  “What happened?” I asked.

“Well, you left the trash on the driveway and I backed over it.  It got stuck in the wheel well of the car, and the neighbor had to help get it out, then we re-bagged it.”  (It was not the time for me to laugh.)

“No.  I placed the bag on the grass by the light pole.  The lawn care man probably moved it to the driveway so he could trim around the pole, thus causing your problem.”  Communication changed everything.

One of the most frustrating experiences in life is to be misunderstood!  But we all experience it: health officials, protesters, policemen, politicians,  Often those we talk to hear our message differently because it is colored by their experiences.

It helps if we can figure out what is causing the misunderstanding.  However, many times that is difficult because of their/our baggage and mistrust.  

Jesus, whose motives were pure, was terribly misunderstood.  He said, “I came into the world that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  John 10:10 (NIV)   The Pharisees didn’t see Jesus as the creator.  Instead, they saw him as a troublemaker.  He never did convince them of who he was.  So they killed him.

What are the barriers that keep you from being understood?  Does the person that you are relating to have hurts that are complicating your relationship?  Perhaps you might consider talking with them about their hurts before pursuing your agenda.

Prayer: “Lord help me to share your truth more effectively, without it being clouded by misunderstanding.” 

Sharing Christ is my purpose and passion.