“I disagree,” said my other
friend. “I’d rather think we should
agree to disagree, rather than argue about it.”
“But you’re wrong,” countered my
first friend, her ire growing.
“It doesn’t matter. I think differently than you. This is just one of those times, we’re not
going to agree.”
“Fine!” she answered, walking
away. “You think like you want to
think. That’s not going to make you
right,” she added hotly.
“Josie,” I said. “C’mon.
Don’t be like that.”
“Not now,” she said. “I’m done and the best thing for me to do is
walk away, before I say something I really regret.”
Anyone who knows me well, knows I am
not much of a political person. While I
have my opinions, I usually tend to not share them, because I hate
confrontation. Not being a “great”
debater, it’s easier to not say anything at all! In fact, I remember a debate I was required
to participate in, in college and the instructor put me on the opposite side I
believed in! I was mortified! It was so difficult to comment. I was grateful there were others on the team,
who were able to take the ‘facts’ found and comment, even though, they were not
likely familiar with a true life experience with the debate question, for which
they were fighting. For most of them, it
was no more than an assignment.
Yet, I know as a Believer, it is my
duty, as commanded by God, to stand my ground when there are those who would
disagree with Bible doctrine. Still,
even here, I find when I disagree with someone I try really hard, to be as kind
as possible, without ‘ruffling’ the feathers with the person I am having conversation. ……Unless….I can do it in writing.
Recently there was a major issue
with someone where we seriously disagreed.
While I didn’t want a face to face battle, I was able to put my words on
paper, and ‘discuss’ the matter in a way that enabled me to share my feelings
and why.
Even when we disagree with each
other, it is again our ‘duty’ to attempt to find unity. Paul was really good at this when he faced
his opposition in the Bible. He had the
education and ability to draw those who disagreed with him to listen to his
views, because he once stood right where they were now standing. He could identify with their thought
process. In this way, he was able to
gain their trust, at least long enough to justify their time listening to him
explaining his views. He was what many today would call, ‘politically correct,’ and therefore, searched for a friendly and familiar position with his
would be adversaries. He had the
wonderful ability of finding common ground without compromising his values or
beliefs!
I encourage you to reflect on your
last disagreement with someone. Is there
a way of continuing the discussion by finding common ground without compromising
your values or beliefs? It might be the
best way of reclaiming a friendship, while making your point quietly.
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