How much does life experience effect understanding and
interpretation of words and events?
Someone abused from birth often sees things differently
than one lovingly nurtured. A person who has nearly starved all their life likely
interprets hardship stories differently. By
our very nature, we default to self-centered explanations of cause and purpose
in all that we see, read or hear. The Bible addresses this common problem
of distortion in 2Peter 1:19-21. We are told to pay close attention to the
light that is shining into our dark place because until His Holy Spirit reigns
in our understanding we are given to “private interpretation”, egocentric
analysis, self-centered distortions of what God has given for the benefit of
many.
In life as in scripture, we often jump to personal
application without even attempting to understand the truth that the situation is
communicating. When we bypass the effort true understanding demands, the black hole of our own bias distorts our
interpretation and leads us to jump to conclusions and reactions that are full of passion but lack compassion
and concern. God intends his children to act in the love, grace and
truth of God-centered, undistorted understanding.
