Have you ever felt people totally misunderstood your words and actions? You meant it one way, from a sincere heart, and it was taken entirely differently?
I remember a missionary in Iran telling me this story. He got up to preach his first message in Farsi. He was so excited to finally know enough of the Persian language to preach in it. Well, he got up and preached his heart out. Several times in the message he thanked God for giving us His Word. He noticed a few folks making faces in the congregation. When he was finished, he found out he was thanking God for the head of cabbage He gave us. Come to find out the word for cabbage and word are quite similar.
John the Baptist lived like a hermit. Jesus lived like others. John was accused by his critics of being demon possessed. Jesus was accused by His critics of being a glutton and a drunkard.
To question the sincerity of either of their hearts would be ridiculous. Their critics found different reasons not to hear their similar message. Get your heart right with God.
Our words may be misunderstood at times. Our behavior may be misunderstood at times. However, in the end our behavior will show that our message comes from a sincere heart. Jesus loves you!
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Matthew 11:19 NIV
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