Title Please understand and understand well
The Gospel of John (95) Please understand and understand well (John 16:16-24)
<Please understand broadly>
In verse 16, the Lord said, “In a little while you will not see me, and in a little while you will see me!” It is the message that the Lord will come as the Holy Spirit after He died on the cross and was resurrected. At that time, the disciples did not understand those words. So when I asked what it meant, he supplemented the words with the disciples and comforted them. This scene makes us realize the importance of ‘broad understanding’.
If we just take the word literally, many misunderstandings arise, and there are constantly questions, judgments, and criticisms. Therefore, you should only think about the common sense you currently know and do not misunderstand it easily. How can a person other than God fully understand the meaning of the other person? Since there is always a high probability of misunderstanding what the other person is saying, it is highly likely that your negative judgment is hasty judgment unless you put a lot of effort into understanding and embrace it. So, before you misunderstand anything, try to understand it.
For example, there is an organization called ‘Our People Help Each Other Movement Headquarters’. It is an organization that aims to help Koreans in need, such as North Koreans, North Korean refugees, and Chinese and Russians. I saw someone talking about that group the other day. “Can only our people help each other? We need to help other poor peoples around the world…”
Overall, you said the right thing, but the situation and attitude you say doesn't make sense. Unlike the 'International Hunger Measures Organization,' 'Our People's Helping Each Other Movement Headquarters' is an organization that was created with the purpose of helping our people, so it is natural to focus on that work. ” If you say it like it is, it is an unreasonable criticism. In that way, if you start by criticizing and judging before trying to understand the direction of a person and community, you are likely to be wrong.
For a successful community life, it is necessary to crucify one's opinions and arguments for the sake of the community. That is the spirit of Jesus and the heart of Jesus. Do not expect the community to do everything according to the direction you want and the style you have experienced, but find a way to contribute more for the community by acknowledging the limit that the community cannot satisfy everyone's needs 100%. This is much better than an attitude of unconditional criticism.
< Please understand it generously >
It is important to have a broad understanding in community life, but just as important is to make it understandable. Humans are not perfect, and misunderstandings can sometimes arise. If that's the case, don't assume that he's ignorant, low self-esteem, or just a critic, but understand that he might be human enough.
In verse 19 and below, the Lord explains additionally to help the disciples who do not understand the words of the Lord and have doubts. How many misunderstandings can there be because of the marked difference in perception between the Lord and man? Still, the Lord was seriously trying to convince His disciples. When the other person doesn't understand, don't blame them for what they don't understand, don't be bothered or annoyed, say it one more time, explain one more time, and try to understand one more time. If it is still difficult to understand, then try to understand it with love.
In the text, the Lord gives only a few supplementary explanations and does not explain further in detail. Instead, he speaks words of comfort, hope, and love. “Your sorrow turns into joy (verses 20-21). No one will take away your joy (verse 22). And immediately afterward, he speaks of the blessing of answering prayers (verses 23-24). Try your best to understand that, but if you don't, give them comfort and love. And pray. Even so, misunderstandings cannot be helped, but only to that extent can we be called disciples who follow the Lord and priests like a king.
In order to live a blessed life, we need to overcome misunderstandings well. For that, first, with a broad mind and heart, do our best not to misunderstand; second, we acknowledge that there may be misunderstandings and try to understand the person as much as possible; and thirdly, if it is difficult to understand in a human way, we Lift him up by comforting him and praying for him. So, make a gracious human relationship, and live with God's grace given to that relationship.