Growth in the Grace of Understanding

Being misunderstood is something that happens to all of us...

And misunderstanding others is something all of us do...

Perhaps most important of all:
misunderstanding clouds our thinking and obscures the truth...
 
Misunderstanding erodes relationships and spoils trust. Unresolved misunderstanding can lead to confusion, mistrust, grudges, resentments and hurt.


An Examen of Conscience:


Do I listen with a desire to learn?
Do I seek to understand that I might learn the truth?
Do I speak with sincere respect for those who hear me?
Do I listen as intently to others as I hope others listen to me?
Do I open myself to truths, old and new,
truths I've not known or understood before, truths I've rejected?
Do I speak the truth charitably when it calls others to accountability?
Do I listen humbly when others speak a discomforting truth to me?
Do I recognize my own limitations' impact on how I understand others?
Do I listen patiently to others who disagree with me?
Do I speak patiently to those who misunderstand me?
Do I keep in mind that some people
have been misunderstood all their lives?
Do I understand that some people will just never understand?
Do I understand how much more there always is for me to understand?
Do I know how to converse without needing to convince?
Do I know how to debate without needing to defeat?
Do I forgive those who misunderstand me?
Do I ask forgiveness of those I've misunderstood?
Do I seek, do I pray to understand more
and to be more understanding?
Do I seek to understand so that I might gain wisdom?
Do I allow the truth to correct my misunderstandings?
Do I speak the truth I know that others might understand it?
Do my words invite others to consider, understand
and embrace what is true?
Do I understand there is a truth to be understood?


Mutual understanding can be a path to the truth, a path we need to learn to walk together. Being misunderstood is something that happens to all of us and misunderstanding others is something all of us do. Growth in the grace of understanding is something we all need to pray for...


Lord, you made and understand all things.
Help us to understand one another as you understand each of us.
With your Spirit's gifts, help us to grow in understanding
and guide us, together, to your truth. ~ Concord Pastor

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