COVID Lesson (Part 4): How to Have a Soft Heart in a Hard World

If you work with people for a living, there will be times you will experience disappointment, be misunderstood, hurt (intentionally or unintentionally), and perhaps even betrayed. AND as ministerial leaders, we have to be careful not to become calloused by it.

It is easy to slide into pessimism, overly critical, and angry. It is easy to justify the hurt caused by others. It is easy to move one.

WHY? Well, because we live in a broken world.

With that said, Jesus (which is the leaders of ALL leaders) experienced this too. He was disappointed in others, misunderstood by many, hurt by those closest to him, and was even betrayed.

BUT, Jesus remained soft to those who hurt him.

HOW is this possible? Here are 5 observations I see.

Jesus FORGAVE

Yes, forgiveness helps keep the heart soft. Not only is forgiveness necessary to have a dynamic relationship with Jesus but it also helps us have thriving relationships around us. According to Science Journal, forgiveness brings people together, fights loneliness and depression, and heals the physical body. Of course, forgiveness is NOT easy. Forgiveness takes COURAGE.

Jesus saw the BIG PICTURE

Jesus knew that people hurt him or misunderstood him because they didn’t know the big picture. Jesus, on the hardest day of HIS life said, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.” Jesus had a bigger picture in mind. In other words, it is important to lean into those who have hurt us and ask, “why?” Why is this happening? When we ask these questions, it helps us understand WHY it happened. It helps us empathize with those who have hurt us.

Jesus offered RECONCILIATION

One of my favourite scenes with Jesus is the Resurrection breakfast. His closest friends just experienced Jesus’ cruxification and went back to their fishing careers because Jesus was gone. They felt defeated, confused, and perhaps hurt too. I would too…

And then, Jesus shows up. He recommissions them over a breakfast.

In the same way, we need to initiate reconciliation. It is important.

Jesus RELEASED relationships

With that said, when Jesus’ initiates reconciliation, he also provides us with a choice. In fact, only 1/3 of those who heard Jesus’ message FOLLOWED His message. In other words, 2/3 of people who heard Jesus speak, saw the signs + wonders, and heard/experienced His resurrection didn’t follow Him. They either debated it, shunned it, or rejected it.

In the same way, we need to be OK when relationships (based on choice) are released when reconciliation has been exhausted. This happens in congregations, with friends + family, and those closest to us. It is ok.

We can find peace in Him.

Jesus looked UP

Last, Jesus looked up. EVERYTHING he did was a response out of His relationship with God. Too often, and it is easy, I can react on what people will say/do rather than respond in the Spirit. In fact, it is easy as ministerial leaders to find our identity in our vocation. Jesus teaches us, continually, to come back to him. In prayer, he heals us. In prayer, He gives us wisdom. In prayer, He speaks to us. In prayer, we respond.

How do you keep you heart soft in a hard world?

Jesus Saw God in People

I would also add that Jesus saw the “good” in everyone. I think it is important to see humanity as Jesus did; in the image of God.

Onward, friends.