It is said that to get along with someone, you must try and see life from their perspective. From a biblical perspective, the Apostle Paul writes to the Colossians in the city of Colossae to “clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” In other words, the people of Colossae needed to cultivate qualities like kindness and compassion and forgive those who offend them.
The message from Paul to the Colossians was a reminder that the Lord forgave them, so they must forgive others. He reiterated the idea that they should equip their whole being with love, which binds people together in perfect harmony. Fast forward and Paul’s message remains vital to us today. True love has no boundaries. The love of people is universal, and love is paramount in our society if we are to tolerate differences in others.
We as a people of God should also let the peace that comes from God rule in our hearts. Those who need others to think and act exactly the way they do are often masking insecurities. They have a deep-seated need to have their views and actions confirmed in the behaviors and thoughts of others.
However, that is not how life works. Disagreements happen in any relationship. We are all unique, and we are not likely to agree on everything or every issue in life. But the way we handle disagreements may determine whether our relationship makes it to the finish line of humanity.
Disagreeing with the point of view of another individual is common. Through disagreements and fighting fairly, we open ourselves to new ideas and different ways of thinking, which is how you grow. This growth is necessary for a thriving society. In the end we might even “agree to disagree” with each other. The important thing is to respect the other person’s ideas and seek to create an environment where the two of you can feel free to express your feelings without fear of being judged.
So, as we work together and live together, let’s equip ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience as Paul instructed the Colossians for the betterment of a thriving society of Godly people. And Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Dr. Walter Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
