One of the continual problems that I see when addressing disagreements or arguments in relationships is the mistake of only listening to one side of the story. I’m amazed at how people can make themselves seem like they are innocent and that the other party is guilty. If you only hear one side of the story, you might even be convinced that they are telling you the truth, and you might even get angry or disappointed at the other person. Yet, if you get to hear the other side of the story, you’ll realize that the first person to state their case might have actually exaggerated, or even lied to appear innocent and righteous. Proverbs 18:17 (TLB) says: “Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight.” The CEV states it this way: “You may think you have won your case in court, until your opponent speaks.” So next time you have to deal with an issue that involves two people, refuse to accept only one side of the story before rendering a decision. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in someone’s biased perceptions or opinions. Wait until you hear both sides of the story, and you’ll be able to render a more realistic decision because you’ll have all of the facts on hand. Selah!
Do you suffer from this?
I saw a small sign which read: “Gratitude turns what we have into ENOUGH!” Wow, that is a powerful perspective. Two people eat the same meal. One was hungry and didn’t have the money to pay for it, but the restaurant owner decided to bless him with the meal, so the person was extremely grateful and thankful. The other person was upset and angry because that is not what he wanted to eat. It was the same meal. What was the difference? It was their perspective. The person that was grateful saw the value in the meal. He realized that he could not take that meal for granted. He could have gone hungry that day. Yet, God provided a wonderful meal for him via that generous restaurant owner. The other person takes every thing for granted. Each meal, the car he drives, his health, his expensive condominium, his job and his prestige and influence. This kind of perspective lacks the appreciation of just how fortunate we are when we are able to have the things we need or want. In truth, anything can be taken away from us in a heartbeat. People have lost everything in a fire, a flood, an earthquake, or a tsunami. Today we should really reconsider God’s blessing which is all around us if we have the right perspective! So what if we don’t have everything that we desire at this point. The important thing is that we have what we need. There are many around the world who live with very little and would greatly appreciate what we have right now! Well, are you grateful?
Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
