By Drake Hunter | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Last week, we dove into Jesus’ command to “Ask, Seek, and Knock,” highlighting the vital role of resourcefulness—what I like to call source management! Remember Poor Little Bo-Peep? Instead of seeking her lost sheep, she just hoped they would find their way home. This week, we journey with poor Little Miss Muffet as Jesus guides us to persistently ask, seek, and knock until we uncover the truths waiting for us. Once we step through that truth door and embrace it, what’s our next move? Jesus encourages us with a wonderful next step: “Therefore, whatever you want people to do for you, do the same for them.” ~ Matthew 7:12
We often refer to this instruction from Jesus as the Golden Rule—”Do Unto Others”—but it offers us so much more than just a simple reminder to be kind. The word “therefore” ties it to Jesus’ last teachings on asking, seeking, and knocking, highlighting how our heavenly Father generously gives to those who seek Him. Once we receive the truth and goodness it brings, we now have the opportunity to share it, and that happens through caring for those around us, or through sensitivity.
Sensitivity is a wonderful and essential skill that allows us to truly connect and understand others’ experiences. It encourages us to ask, “What would I want if I were in their shoes?” and reminds us that everyone has unique beliefs and feelings. By being genuinely sensitive, we can step outside ourselves, actively listen, and ask meaningful questions that honor someone else’s fears and needs. For instance, Miss Muffet didn’t need a dismissal about the spider being harmless; she simply needed someone to acknowledge her fear and offer support. By being empathetic, rather than sympathetic, we can create a more understanding and compassionate world for everyone!
It’s so vital to understand the distinction between recognizing someone’s beliefs and feelings and allowing them to dictate our actions. While emotions might not always reflect the complete truth, they certainly reveal important aspects of a person’s experience. True sensitivity embraces this insight without letting emotions take the lead. Jesus exemplified this beautifully; He held firm to truth while being genuinely attuned to those around Him. He noticed the unnoticed, reached out to the marginalized, embraced children, and engaged with those whose needs He already comprehended. Rather than simply sharing truth, Jesus communicated it in a way that encouraged others to truly embrace and understand it.
Sensitivity is an incredible tool that strengthens our connections! When we approach others with empathy, we invite them to embrace the truths we cherish. Unfortunately, Christians sometimes enter people’s lives like a spider, dropping in unexpectedly and wondering why those people feel overwhelmed. We often have valuable insights to share, but if we lack awareness of those around us, our delivery can fall flat. It’s crucial that our actions reflect our beliefs; otherwise, our message can get lost. Let’s strive to create a welcoming environment where truth can flourish, fostering deeper understanding and relationships. Together, we can bridge the gap and share our faith in a loving, compassionate way!
Sensitivity is a wonderful strength, not a weakness. It doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations, nor does it excuse destructive behavior or soften the truth until it becomes unrecognizable. Instead, sensitivity is strength guided by LOVE, encompassing both love for those who share our beliefs and for those who oppose us, including our enemies. Recall that Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” It encourages us to recognize not only what needs to be said but also when, how, and sometimes whether it’s necessary to say anything at all. While an insensitive person might ask, “Why are you reacting like that?”, a sensitive person genuinely seeks to understand, asking, “What are you experiencing that I may not yet understand?” This kind of question can prevent a marriage from growing cold, help a parent connect with a struggling child, allow a church to care for someone who is hurting, and help a friend become a trustworthy guide toward what is true and good.
Now that we have asked, sought, and knocked, and have received the truth, let’s strive to be compassionate guides who help others connect with the Source, especially the Source of Life (God!). May we approach others’ experiences with awareness, listen carefully before jumping to conclusions, speak the truth with love, and treat others as we would like to be treated. After all, no one should have to leave their comfort zone just because we haven’t yet learned to sit beside them with kindness and sensitivity that delights them, rather than frighten them away as the spider did Little Miss Muffet.
As always—God is here. God is able. God is good.
I’ll be continuing this conversation later this week on the Just Sayin’ podcast, where we’ll take a deeper look at The Sensitivity Weapon: Little Miss Muffet.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so, we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.