ABC's of Godly Character - U

U is for Understanding! Understanding has two parts: 1) the ability to learn, comprehend, and make decisions; intelligence; and 2) being sympathetic, tolerant, or wise towards people. The first is about gaining knowledge of the Bible. We should ask God to help us understand what His Word says and how to apply it to our lives. Secondly, we should be understanding toward others. We should show them Christ-like love and try to see their point of view. We should try to relate to what is going on in their lives; have compassion. Proverbs 18:2 says “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion”. Don’t be selfish about having it “your way”, listen to others and be kind. Godly Character is more important that getting it “our way” all the time. Proverbs 2:1-6 says “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding”. Wisdom and understanding come from God. It is gained by seeking it. His Word reveals it, but we must read His Word if we want to gain it. True understanding is of God and we can’t create it by our own efforts. We have to seek it, want it, and search for it. It doesn’t come easy, nothing we treasure does. Once we obtain it, we must always try to use it and be understanding toward others.

Prayer starter: Heavenly Father, thank you for making understanding and wisdom available to us. Help me to study Your Word more and to earnestly seek understanding. Also, help me to be understanding toward others and show them compassion and mercy, just as You have shown me. I love you, Amen.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to read God’s Word today. Ask God, through prayer, to make the verses become real to you. Ask Him to help you “get it” and understand what you read. Also, show understanding toward others today.