"The Art of Understanding" | September 7, 2025 | Ps Stephen George

In a world that often feels quick to judge and slow to understand, we find ourselves at a crossroads. How do we navigate the complexities of human relationships while staying true to our spiritual calling? This question leads us on a journey through some of the most profound teachings in the Bible, particularly focusing on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

At the heart of this exploration lies a simple yet powerful command: "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged." These words, found in Matthew 7:1-5, challenge us to look inward before casting judgment outward. It's a reminder that we all have our own "planks" to deal with before we concern ourselves with the "specks" in others' eyes.

But what does this mean in practice? How do we resist the all-too-human urge to judge others quickly?

The answer lies in understanding. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, tells us in Proverbs to "tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding." He goes further, encouraging us to "cry out for insight and ask for understanding." This isn't a passive process; it requires active engagement and a willingness to seek knowledge beyond our immediate perceptions.

In our modern context, this principle has been echoed by thought leaders like Stephen Covey, who advises us to "seek first to understand, then to be understood." It's about approaching others with empathy, asking questions, and truly listening before forming opinions or offering advice.

Think back to a time when someone judged you unfairly, perhaps without taking the time to know you. How did that feel? Now, consider moments when you might have done the same to others. In those instances, were you embodying the love of God and the love for your fellow human beings that Jesus commands as the greatest commandments?

This brings us to our first key action: Understand. It's not just about refraining from judgment; it's about actively seeking to comprehend the experiences, perspectives, and struggles of those around us.

But understanding is just the beginning. As we delve deeper into Jesus' teachings, we encounter another powerful message in Matthew 7:7-11. "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."

This passage speaks to the importance of persistence and endurance in our spiritual journey. It's not enough to understand once; we must continually seek wisdom, knock on doors of opportunity, and ask for guidance. This leads us to our second key action: Endure.

The apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, exemplifies this spirit of endurance. Despite facing beatings, false accusations, and eventual execution, Paul remained steadfast in his faith and mission. In his final letter to Timothy, he writes with unwavering conviction: "The Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the good news."

Paul's endurance wasn't born from stubbornness or blind faith. It was rooted in a deep understanding of God's love and purpose. This brings us to our third and perhaps most crucial action: Love.

Love is the thread that weaves understanding and endurance together. It's what motivates us to seek understanding even when it's difficult. It's what gives us the strength to endure trials and persecutions. And it's what Jesus ultimately calls us to embody in our interactions with others.

The Golden Rule, "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you," encapsulates this principle perfectly. It's not just about treating others well; it's about approaching every interaction with a spirit of love and understanding.

In practice, this means:

1. Taking the time to truly listen to others, especially those with different beliefs or values.
2. Encouraging those around us, even when we ourselves are facing difficulties.
3. Resisting the urge to "cancel" or write off those who make mistakes or hold different views.
4. Continuously seeking God's wisdom and guidance, especially in challenging times.

As we reflect on these teachings, we're called to ask ourselves some hard questions:

- Are we quick to judge, or do we seek understanding?
- When life gets tough, do we find endurance in our faith, or do we turn to worldly escapes?
- Do we truly embody love in our interactions with others, even those who challenge or oppose us?

The path of understanding, endurance, and love isn't an easy one. It requires us to make ourselves small so that God can be big in our lives. It calls us to commit and recommit ourselves daily to following Jesus' teachings.

But we're not meant to walk this path alone. We're called to be part of a community of believers who can encourage us, correct us when needed, and share in both our joys and struggles. Our faith isn't meant to be a private affair; it's meant to be lived out in relationship with others.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let's remember that Jesus is always calling us to more. There's always more of God's love for us to receive and share with others. It starts with understanding, is sustained through endurance, and is perfected in love.

So today, let's challenge ourselves to look beyond the surface, to resist quick judgments, and to approach every interaction with a spirit of love and understanding. Let's commit to enduring through difficulties, knowing that our struggles develop perseverance, character, and hope.

In doing so, we not only transform our own lives but become agents of change in a world that desperately needs more understanding, endurance, and love. This is the essence of living out our faith – not just in words, but in actions that reflect the very heart of God.