Christlikeness Does Not Exempt Us From Being Misunderstood

Again, we should always bear these words in mind in seasons when we are misunderstood.

To be misunderstood is always bitter.

Nothing so adds to the joy of spiritual service as to be certain that it is appreciated.

Appreciation, from the right kind of people, is always a spur to more devoted toil.

But to toil on, as so many have to do, misunderstood even by those they love, is one of the heaviest crosses in the world.

It is so apt to blight all that is most delicate, so swift to sour the milk of human kindness. 

Why should God permit this chilling atmosphere to surround many of His finest toilers? 

Then one remembers that He who came to earth to embody the ideal of life and character breathed that pestilent atmosphere all the time.

He was misunderstood when He wrought His deeds of mercy-He casteth out devils by Beelzebub.

He was misunderstood when He hung upon the cross-they thought He was calling on Elias.

And with that spirit of His, so exquisitely sensitive, that increasing and deep misunderstanding was sorer than the piercing of the nails.

One of our novelists speaks of "Kingdom of Heaven kindness." 

Have not many practiced it, and been misunderstood?

A little gratitude would have made all the difference, but gratitude was noticeable  by its absence.

It is in such hours, and they come to everybody who has practiced the secret of the "cup of water," that there is a gospel in the word enough.

Enough is as good as a feast.

Enough is satisfaction. 

More than enough would be a spiritual excess, and excess leads to disease.

He who knows us and what is best for us, just as He knows what is in store for us, says it is enough that the servant be as his Lord.

~George H. Morrison~