Being misunderstood makes you feel frustrated, cut off from othersAs Christians, we frequently find ourselves being misunderstood, and it's a painful feeling. It's even worse when you're single. You feel even more isolated and alone than usual. When the misunderstanding happens because of our faith, we learn to expect that--yet it still hurts. Everybody wants to feel accepted, and we're not exceptions. Being misunderstood smacks of unfairness. Someone has judged us without knowing all the facts, or from deliberately ignoring our point of view. When prejudice is the cause
On the surface, misunderstanding seems to be a communication problem. Somebody's message is not getting through. But in some cases, there's a prejudice or meanness of spirit that wants to cut someone off.Alienation is a major problem today. It's easy to get the wrong signal. You might feel another has snubbed you, when the truth is that they were busy or distracted by some personal problem. Busyness, crowding, and rudeness have made us all defensive. We're like those motorized toys that have a bumper switch. Everytime they run into something, they immediately back away and go in the opposite direction. A double dose of patienceFollowers of Jesus Christ know that being misunderstood was one of the hardest trials he suffered while here on earth. His message was rejected. Some thought he should be a warrior king. People in his hometown of Nazareth, who had known him all his life, were so jealous that he couldn't perform any miracles there.The closer we follow Jesus, the more we'll be misunderstood. We need his supernatural patience--and more--to keep from getting discouraged. Birds of a feather...One way to cope with being misunderstood is to cultivate Christian friendships. When we're with other believers, we're on the same wavelength. We talk the same language. We cherish the same truths. We're part of the family. As singles, we need to reach out.Being misunderstood doesn't happen as often in that kind of fellowship, and when it does, people usually make the effort to restore the relationship. I often felt alienated until I joined a men's Bible study group. Then I learned that there was nothing wrong with me. I found men who think the same way I do. We have the same values. We appreciate God's love, even though we can't always articulate it. Christ instituted a church so his followers could support one another. Christianity is not a solitary faith, even for single people. We need each other. If you don't belong to a church or have other close Christian friends, I urge you to reach out. Don't worry about being accepted. You'll be welcomed as enthusiastically as the prodigal son (or daughter)!
Where to go for understandingOften, we don't even understand ourselves. We don't know why we do the things we do, and we can't see how we might be unconsciously sabotaging ourselves. Paul spoke of that.Remember, though, that Jesus knows exactly how you feel, whether it's about your faith or any other aspect of your life that people don't understand. Take comfort in the knowledge that God knows you better than you know yourself. He knows how you tick, and he can repair you anytime you ask. Make some strong Christian friends and take your hurts to Jesus. He'll bring you peace and understanding you can't find anywhere else.
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