Be More Understanding

"Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad" - I Kings 3:9.

I.    Look with Compassion
"When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them..." (Matthew 9:36)
Christ looked with compassion. He saw the sin, suffering, and sorrow of mankind. We must see people the same way Jesus saw people. We must see the needs of others, too! Having compassion on the less fortunate and concern for the lost increases our understanding (I Peter 3:8).

II.    Listen with Concern
"And while they are yet speaking, I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24).
The Lord listens with concern. He hears the cries of the poor, the lonely, the ill, the tempted, and the sinful. He cares and understands. We, too, must listen with concern -- never turning a deaf ear to the cries of others. (I Peter 3:15). Listening increases our understanding.

III.    Lift with Cheerfulness
"Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose" (Mark 9:27).
Jesus didn't stop with seeing and hearing the needs of others. He lifted burdens, healed the sick, and forgave the sinful. When we cheerfully help lift the burdens of others - pray for the needy - and ungrudgingly give our tithes and offerings to the church to meet needs -- we find joy and satisfaction. (I John 3:17-18).

IV.    Love with Christ-likeness
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another" (I John 4:11).
Love is the world's greatest need. Christ brings fulfillment for that need. He died on the cross for our sin (John 3:16). When we look with compassion, listen with concern, and lift with cheerfulness -- we are enabled to love with Christ-likeness. We become more understanding (John 13:34).