Clearly, this cartoon is a depiction of different perspectives, but it truly is the best I’ve ever seen. It illustrates how every person can see the exact same thing and have a different take on how they view it.
Plus, the first part of the caption hits the nail on the head!!! “Just because you are right does not mean I am wrong.”
How many times do we actually practice this philosophy? I bet it’s not much.
Most often we argue our point until we are blue in the face, write someone off, or these days unfriend them on Facebook because we think they are wrong…all with the intention to prove that we are right.
Where’s the empathy, tolerance and consideration?
It’s sad that we don’t keep our mouths shut and keep our ears open more frequently. We’d probably have a better understanding of why others believe what they do…and just maybe recognize that another opinion isn’t always completely wrong.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1John 1:8
None of us are perfect and it’s time that we start perceiving ourselves as such. Our opinions are just that…opinions. We see the world through eyes that have walked a certain path, but we have not walked all paths, so how can we accuse others of inferior points of view when we haven’t walked in their shoes?
Don’t get me wrong, we all have opinions and that is obviously okay. However, we need to stop judging others if their opinions are unlike ours.
Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven…. Luke 6:37
So, how can we be better at not immediately assuming someone is wrong because they don’t agree with us?
1. Pray for compassion and tolerance of another’s opinion.
2. LISTEN without thinking of our rebuttal.
3. Empathize instead of judging.
4. Consider the path the other person has travelled.
5. Seek understanding of other views.
6. Research other viewpoints to appreciate where others are coming from.
7. Love instead of arguing.
8. Find a lesson in all situations.
9. Agree to disagree.
10. Pray for God’s Grace, Hope, Joy, and Peace.
We don’t always have to agree with each other and not agreeing does not mean condemnation for the other person. It just means we have different points of view and that is okay. In fact, that is what makes the world an interesting place.
Maybe we should start thinking before we speak. It just stands to reason that we would live more peacefully in our world if we loved instead of judged. Plus, without placing condemnation on others for their opinions we would spread more joy and compassion instead of self-righteousness.
What can you do to change the world you live in?
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 18:13 – If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
So true – you always get me thinking. You are so young to be so wise!