It is wise, as a Christian, to prepare yourself to be misunderstood even by those whom you love. When people have strong beliefs they sometimes do not have all the facts. If it is possible practice patience and use reticence when discussing the wonder and the mystery of your faith. Being Christian does not mean insulting another person’s faith or viewpoints. It is sometimes better to simply listen, and respond with a Bible verse or one of the parables of Jesus Christ.
As you become known in the community because of the church you attend or as a living faithful Catholic please be prepared to be confronted by many people with all types of grievances with the church, the clergy of the parish, the diocese priorities, Papal letters, and many other ancient grudges. Be prepared to pleasantly greet ignorance, intolerance, and rudeness. Faith is often accompanied with suffering.
Do not interpret my meaning as a suggestion to be cowardly. You must engage everyone as you see necessary. But you must engage them with the patience and love of God. As you listen to comments and observe actions, you will learn what to say and how to say. When discussing Faith and/or religion do not treat it as a win/lose opportunity.
In a funny irony that communication sometimes involves suffering. We suffer to listen to half-truths, ignorant statement, fallacies, lies, personal opinions masquerading as universal truth. We are members of the church universal will be singled out and ridiculed because of our beliefs. But do not be troubled by this. Respond as you deem necessary with respect. Be prepared for malicious jokes and all types of anecdotes against the Church, the faithful, the faith. Suffer these with dignity and respect. Do not respond in anger.
Old people used to say that we were put on this world to suffer before gaining admittance to the kingdom of heaven. Suffering is not always visible, it often is subtle. Understand and believe that all men suffer, all men have fear, all men have pain. No one is immune to them. Understand and believe the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Modernity likes to expose the bitterness of life. Do not let this change you or your faith. Your faith is based upon something true, tangible, and real. Your faith is there to provide love, comfort, and hope.
Remember God and his love for you as you confront your day to day life. Be prepared for melancholy laughter; modern humor is often the cruelest trial by audience; let your devotion to God help you when you hear or see unpleasant things.
To be misunderstood is avoidable in this frenetic chaotic time of instant justification, instant rationalization. Be prepared to greet all misunderstandings calmly, with love and hope.
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