“I just don’t get it.”

Let’s face it, life is frustrating. Much of the time our exasperation and anger erupt because what someone does makes no sense to us. It’s one thing to be outraged by vengeance or robbery, but at least there’s a reason for them. We disapprove, but we understand.

But our garden variety, day to day conflicts often arise over the seemingly mindless or irrational things people do. I’ve never understood the reasons for computer software viruses, for example. I suppose it’s because I can’t imagine any scenario in which someone sits around thinking up ways to annoy others or corrupt their document files.

Then again, I’m not a software engineer. Maybe if I were, I’d be tempted to hack into a mainframe and do some random damage if I were having a bad day, got bored, or just wanted to see if I could. There, I did it. I actually have made a start to understand something that looks irrational to me. First, I put myself in his/her place.

Why does anyone create vulgar graffiti?
Why does anyone bungee jump?
Why does anyone climb rock faces free solo?
Why does anyone become a funeral director?
How could anyone vote for. . .?

See how it works? If you think about it two seconds, you realize that although some things may seem strange to you, they make perfect sense to the one doing them. Now, turn that around, and you will see why sometimes people don’t understand you, though you try to explain.

Thankfully, Jesus never gave us the command, “Understand one another as I have understood you.” That not only would have seemed impossible, it would be. He told us to love one another as He loved us.

Interestingly enough, though, when I choose to love, I open myself up to understand. I begin to listen. learn, and identify. For though I may not have not had that hurt, I have been hurt, and we all can identify with pain. That’s one way we’re much more alike than different.

These twin proverbs hint at how a heart may eventually yield its secrets in the safety and security of relentless love:

 

The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters,
but a man of understanding draws them out.
Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man, who can find?
Proverbs 20:4, 5

While loving others may not be easy, it is possible, and far more satisfying than judging them. It’s the door to understanding. Open it and walk in. You may be surprised how quickly you “get it.”


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