O to be understood!
Posted on October 14, 2009 by Pastor Tom
We all long to be understood. One definition of the word understand goes like this: “To know thoroughly by close contact with or long experience of.” Another states “to know and be tolerant or sympathetic toward the needs, feelings or views of another.” Does anyone understand you like that?
Our current culture may not contribute much to understanding even though we’re more “connected” than ever before. An email may be poorly written. A text message carries a threatening tone. A Facebook invite excludes.
I appreciate Dave Branon’s comments on understanding. It’s hard but it’s worth it!
“It’s feeble avoidance to say we can’t understand one another. We can and we must. It takes time – time spent in one another’s presence asking questions, listening intently, then asking again. It’s as simple and as difficult as that.
No one, of course, can fully plumb the mystery of another person’s heart, but we can learn something new every day. The wise man of Proverbs called understanding a “wellspring of life” (16:22), a deep source of wisdom to all who seek it.
Again, I say, understanding takes time – one of the most precious gifts we can give to others. How we choose to spend our time is the surest indicator of how much we care for those we love.”
Add the first comment...