When You Are Deeply Misunderstood by Others: Jesus Sees Your Heart

 “Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to Me.”

Matthew 26:10

Dear Friends,

Being misunderstood is one of the hardest things to endure. When people don’t understand our heart and motives, they often make erroneous assumptions that can lead to hurt feelings and deep wounds. But in moments like these, we don’t need to rush to our own defense because Jesus knows the thoughts and intentions of every heart. In His perfect timing, He will bring to light the truth and vindicate those who are wrongly judged.

A Comforting Truth

This truth has brought me great comfort over the years when I’ve been hurt by others’ misjudgments and stinging remarks. But it has also been a humbling reminder: I must not do the same to others. I don’t always understand why someone acts a certain way, and it’s not my place to criticize without knowing the full story.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently cuts to the heart of the matter. When people came to Him with questions—whether sincere or deceptive—He responded with divine insight, always addressing the deeper issues. He looked beyond surface-level appearances and focused on attitudes, faith, and the condition of the heart.

A Powerful Example

One such example is found in a powerful scene involving His disciples and a bold, humble woman. Just after Jesus taught about the end times and revealed that He was about to be crucified, He visited the home of Simon the Leper. While reclining at the table, a woman entered unexpectedly and anointed Jesus’ head with an expensive perfume.

The disciples were shocked, and their initial reaction wasn’t positive. They misunderstood the woman’s motives and criticized what they considered a waste of a precious commodity. Unable to contain their negative sentiments, they berated her openly. “Why this waste?This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

At first glance, their objections might seem reasonable. After all, shouldn’t we care for the poor? But Jesus didn’t address their surface-level question. Instead, He responded to the heartfelt attitudes behind their criticism.

Jesus Defends a Misunderstood Woman

He silenced their criticism by affirming the woman and calling her act a “beautiful thing.” While the men struggled to grasp the gravity of His impending death, this woman believed His words. Her faith moved her to give sacrificially, offering her best as a loving act of worship in preparation for His burial. 

The disciples’ concern for the poor, though noble on the surface, lacked eternal perspective.  The temporary relief the money from the sale of the perfume could offer was insignificant compared to the eternal salvation Jesus was about to secure through His death and resurrection. 

Personal Reflection

When I reflect on this story, I can almost feel the woman’s discomfort as she was harshly judged. I’ve been in her shoes – misunderstood, criticized, and wondering if I should have spoken or acted at all.  But imagine her joy when Jesus defended her in front of everyone. He understood her heart, commended her actions, and declared that her act of devotion would be remembered wherever the gospel would be preached. 

Being misunderstood and judged unfairly is painful. And when it happens, we’re often tempted to pull back, justify ourselves, or avoid taking bold steps of faith in the future. But if this woman had let fear hold her back, she would have missed the opportunity to bless Jesus in such a meaningful way—and we would have missed the lesson her story teaches us today.

Misunderstood by Others? Give Your Hurt to Jesus

So the next time you feel misunderstood, don’t panic. Don’t lash out. Don’t retreat. Instead, give it to Jesus. He sees your heart. He knows your intentions. And in time, He will make all things clear—even when others don’t understand.

Love,

Mama

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