Why Do They Act Like That?
Why do people do what they do? This is a question that has puzzled all of us. We ask questions like this and usually we end up with more questions than answers. Although we can’t figure people out, God knows why people are the way they are, so we must look to Him and trust Him for answers.
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Psalm 139:1-3 (KJV)
Although we don’t know everything about why each person acts the way they do, we do have some insight into certain things about human nature. Sometimes that can be helpful.
Some people act out of hurt, doing the best they can to deal with their pain the best way they know how. This may cause them to lash out or even to abuse themselves and others. They may be reacting to rejection, which can distort how they see themselves and make them feel out of place, alone, and like they don’t belong. Maybe they’ve been treated very badly. People will often put up a barrier- maybe one of toughness or shyness- in order to prevent further hurt. God actually put this in us to protect us, but when it causes us to close up and shut down against everyone, it can be harmful. Building walls to keep others out also traps us inside. Thus, the walls built to protect actually become a prison to us.
Some people have just given up on life, on people, on themselves, and even on God. They’ve been disappointed over and over and they don’t feel they can take any more disappointment. So, they refuse to expect anything good. However, that will not eliminate all disappointment. When we are disappointed, we need to go to God to get an appointment to be reappointed. In other words, let God give us new expectations and encouragement, thus appointing us all over again to what He has called us to. Only God can truly overcome our disappointments.
The list is endless about the reasons for people’s actions and attitudes. The bottom line is that we are all people- human and still being perfected. We don’t do everything right or respond correctly to everything we experience. Yet, God is there to help, teach, and guide us back to wholeness and health. God can love us, heal us, and change us.
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV)
I believe that the root of most of our problems as human beings is lack of love. God is love. God loves us. We simply need to tap into His love and let Him love us. His love is the cure for every hurt. It makes us happy, healthy, and whole. His love is everlasting, unending, and perfect. It never dies out. It gives us security, freedom, peace, and joy.
