It’s not an uncommon occurrence, one person is hurt by another and so the one doing the hurting is simply written off with, “he’s a jerk.” Simple as that, no changing anyone’s mind. Do we ever consider why he might be acting like a jerk? Do we ever give a second thought as to why someone is acting so rude and cold-hearted or do we just decide that he or she is a jerk, will always be a jerk, and can never change?

Do we ever consider that there is probably more going on under the surface than what meets the eye? The heart is complex. When we are negatively affected by certain situations our instinct is to protect ourselves. By protecting ourselves, our heart automatically becomes hardened. The more we are hurt, the harder our heart becomes and the less we are able to feel.

What if you decided to see past what was happening on the outside to what might be stirring on the inside when you are confronted with frustrating situations?

What if I told you that maybe he’s not a jerk?

Because he’s not.

He’s likely just insecure about whatever he’s being a jerk about. I don’t mean this in a condescending way. Lord knows we all have insecurities and I have my fair share. Chances are he is acting like a jerk in response to the stimulus causing him discomfort.

How do I know it’s because of insecurities? Because I’m a jerk when I feel insecure. The armor comes out and the shield is raised. I slip into protective mode. I get defensive, I put on the tough-girl show. I act like a… jerk.

But in my heart of hearts, am I really a jerk?

Ask yourself this question? When you are angry or short-tempered, would it be easy for others to write you off as a jerk? Probably. On the contrary, does your heart believe you are a jerk? Or does your heart consider all the other actions and emotions that make up your sum total as a human being?

Your heart knows the whole story including the beauty that lies within your soul. The beauty outshines the moments of darkness.

Choose to see the beauty within a soul rather than the rubbish that often rises to the surface. Consider the soul dwelling deep within. Consider the scars that mark the heart with an angry voice.