God Works ‘Wonders’ through Movies
Last week our family watched the movie called 'Wonder', which is based on a book by R. J. Palacio about a 10 year old boy named 'Auggie', who was born with facial deformities. Our daughter asked us to watch it as her class was reading the book at school.
I had never heard of the story before, but it was a great movie and I would encourage you to either read the book or watch the movie. What stood out to me was the way the characters were portrayed in the movie. Many of the major characters had moments where there was a scene which explained more of their story, and it was usually after they behaved in a way that seemed hurtful or unfair to someone else. It portrayed in a powerful way that behind their actions was some sort of fear, pain or wounds. As you saw more of their story, instead of feeling anger, frustration or resentment towards a character for their actions, it left you feeling compassion for them.
It reminded me that it is the same in life. When people act in ways are hurtful and don't make sense, it is often because there is pain behind it. There is normally more to the story. And when we get past someone's actions and get to know the person and the heart behind their actions, it can open doors for understanding, compassion, healing, reconciliation and true life change.
Perhaps there is someone in your life that has been really challenging or hurtful to you. If that is the case, I'm sorry. I know how hard this is to deal with, especially when it is ongoing and they are not showing any signs of remorse.
Sometimes these relationships are unsafe, and they require us putting up necessary boundaries in order to protect ourselves and other loved ones. But also, sometimes God can use them to stretch and grow us. Perhaps one way He wants to do that in our lives is to develop in us the ability to see past our pain and hurt, and to get a glimpse into their own world, their own hurts and wounds that have caused them to act in the way they are acting. It doesn't excuse someone's actions, and it doesn't necessarily make it less hurtful. But it can develop in us a newfound tenderness and compassion towards someone else, which in turn affects how we treat them in return. It makes it easier to overlook the offence and show grace.
1 Peter 4:8 words it like this: Above all, constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8 TPT) God loves us in spite of our actions, because He looks past the behaviour and sees into the heart. And in spite of the hurts, flaws, wounds and imperfections, He still loves us. That is what enabled Jesus to look at those mocking him while he was hanging on a cross and say, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."
I also believe that with His grace and strength, we can also love others in the same way. It's not always easy, but it is possible and changes lives - if not the other person, at least your own.
So, today, if there is someone in your life who is hurting you and you don't know how to respond, why don't you spend some time asking the Father to allow you to see them the way He sees them, and to see what is going on in their lives behind the actions. I really believe that it will change your attitude and actions towards them, and bring healing in ways you don't expect.