Misunderstandings

     James 3:13-14
    Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.    

     There was a song not too many years ago by the band Bon Jovi entitled, "Misunderstood."  I think
that can best describe ministry sometimes, and life for that matter.  When communication is not as good
as it should be, or when it breaks down; whether that be in a job, in the church, in a marriage, with children, friends, or others, chances are, someone or something is going to be misunderstood.
     Misunderstandings can lead to all sorts of problems.  When expectations by one are not met, it can lead to frustrations.  When one person thinks that things have been clearly expressed to others, and it keeps coming up again and again, it can quickly turn from a frustration into a major issue that divides.  Divisions conquer relationships, groups, programs and ideas.
     All of this leads back to good communication.  Sometimes we think that we have communicated something well, but in actuality, it has not been fully received.  So there has been a breakdown in
communication.
     A misunderstanding does not have to lead to a major rift in relationships.  But sadly it often does, because people aren't willing to admit that they might possibly be wrong.  They often aren't willing to sit down and have an actual conversation with someone else to figure out where the misunderstanding occured.  And last but certainly far from least, people are not willing to forgive.  I guess we feel more comfortable with being proud and "right," then mending broken communication and relationships.
     When there is a misunderstanding, see it for what it is.  Do not overanalyze it. (I am very guilty of this most  of the time).  Approach the person or persons that you have the misunderstanding with, or who have misunderstood you with love, compassion, and forgiveness.  And have an actual conversation with them about the matter.  LISTEN to each other.  That's the part that usually isn't taking place.
Thank you for reading and God bless!