March 30th, 2023: Being Misunderstood

 

Being misunderstood can be painful and challenging. When that happens, we feel a great need to explain ourselves. We soon find out we might dig deeper by doing so. Being understood confirms our sense of belonging to others. It is a lonely experience when people have different ideas of what we are about.

Jesus had to face misunderstandings throughout his life. He kept telling people around him that his mission was about redemption for the world by God. Mary was angry at him for going on his way to preach at the Synagogue for the first time. His disciples did not understand his warning about his death and his resurrection. The religious leaders of his day thought he was about to start a revolution. The Romans were not keen when many people started following him.

When we choose to celebrate Easter, the world will misunderstand us. People misconstrue our desire to stand firm on biblical truths as judgmental and unloving. Facing the truth about life is not comfortable for anyone, ourselves included. The world has failed to understand that the acceptance of diversity does not mean that we always have to agree on everything.

John 6: 14-27