All of us like to be understood. When somebody tells us, “I understand your situation”, we feel so much relief and satisfaction.

To be understood is equal to being accepted. Only those who understand a person can accept that person and bring positive change in that person.

There is a remarkable story in the Bible (Luke 10:30–35) about a Samaritan helping a half-dead man lying on the wayside, robbed and deserted. A priest and a Levite – both, Jewish religious people – came that way but seeing him, passed by on the other side. Then the Samaritan came and helped the man like his own brother.

What prompted the Samaritan to do such a noble work which others didn’t do? Chances are that he understood the helpless man’s state because he and his people were also treated as detestable by the religious Jews of the time, as history suggests. He also has tasted the pain and shame of being rejected and ridiculed. That helped him identify himself with the helpless man. And he accepted him and helped him like his kinsman!

Look around and find people whom you can identify with. May be it is someone who is suffering a loss, or someone who deals with a broken relationship, or someone struggling with an addiction. Whatever it may be, you can find some whom you can identify with, accept and be a channel of healing to their lives.

Jesus Christ did the same for us. He understood and accepted us as we are because he experienced what we experience. The Scripture says, “For we do not have a High Priest (i.e. Jesus Christ) who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but one who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.” - Hebrews 4:15-16

- – - written by Joe Abraham

It’s natural to have different opinions about different things in life. All have the right to have opinions but only some are right.

An opinion can delight the speaker but can hurt the audience. An opinion may appear to be the present reality but its consequence is far reaching. For opinions to be constructive, one has to learn the art of “agreeing to disagree”. Opinions cease to be constructive when these take the form of judgments.

“It seems like it’s going to rain. Let’s get an umbrella”, one said. “No! It seems like it’s going to be a heavy rain. Let’s jump into the cafe and grab a hot coffee”, said another. And there were opinions and counter-opinions. By that time, it rained and they got drenched! Had they learned to agree to disagree, they would have escaped the rain.

The Scripture advises: Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment! It also exhorts: accept each other.

Bitterness produces an air of judgment, but love produces an atmosphere of acceptance. Those who apply love spread its sweet smell wherever they go.

Creating a culture of self-discipline breaks the faultfinding mindset. That’s what the following statement states: First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

Self-discipline births honor. It acknowledges the worth of those heaven-ordained authorities in family, education, work place, government and church. Even when taking a stand against unjust practices and unscriptural principles, self-discipline stands on respect.

Opinions cannot be terminated but can be transformed. When opinions give way to mutual acceptance, peace takes the stage!

Matthew 7:1, Romans 15:7, Matthew 7:5, Daniel 3:16-18

- – - written by Joe Abraham & Ancy Joe

Unclutter our lives, Lord
we have too much,
consume too much,
expect too much.

Grant us perspective;
to see this world
through others’ eyes
than just our own.

Grant us compassion;
where there is need
to play our part
not turn aside.

Grant us gratitude
for what we have,
our daily bread
the gift of life.

Unclutter our lives, Lord,
give us space,
simplicity
thankful hearts.