The Other Side of the Coin
I’m not always right.
I wish I were, but I’m not. Therefore, I need to look at life from other points of view. I need to consider ideas other than my own — the other side of the coin.
By looking at the other side of the coin, I give myself the opportunity to grow. I may learn I was wrong. If not, I strengthen my original belief. I gain from either of those possibilities.
We don’t have to agree with others to remain friends.
Rather, we learn to disagree agreeably. My husband and I share many of the same values and beliefs. We also disagree on several issues. We have learned to accept that reality. Occasionally we begin a sentence with, “I know you’re going to disagree with this, but …”
I wonder:
- How many wars could have been prevented by looking at the other side’s opinions?
- How many couples could have avoided divorce by focusing on one another’s feelings?
- How many friendships could have been preserved by listening more than talking?
Not everything in life revolves around us and our outlook.
Let’s not be hardheaded. Rather, let’s check out the other side of the coin. In the process we:
- Stretch our minds.
- Enrich our resources,
- Share one another’s burdens and joys, whether we agree or not.
When we look at the other side of the coin, we gain another viewpoint. We choose whether to accept or reject that viewpoint. Let’s use wisdom as we choose.
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5 NIV).
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