To get along with others, you must try to see life from their perspective. Don’t be alarmed if you cannot figure out how to connect with someone; understanding others isn’t always easy to do. The Apostle Paul writing to the people at Colossae said, “clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” These characteristics allow us to forgive each other’s faults and offenses.
The most difficult thing for any one of us is to forgive others when they offend us. What we must remember is that the Lord forgave us, so we should extend forgiveness to others. Above all, Paul says to clothe yourselves with love. Love binds us together in perfect harmony and allows the peace of the Lord to rule in our hearts.
Perhaps when we see life from another’s perspective the words of French philosopher Albert Carmus will ring true. He writes, “When you have once seen the glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person, you know that a man can have no vocation but to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him.”
People 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 validated by the behavior and thoughts of others. But the way we approach our disagreements can determine whether a relationship reaches its full potential. You might ask the question: what is that potential, or “finish line,” for a particular relationship. That is determined by each party.
We are all unique, and we are not likely to agree on everything. But the way you approach your disagreements can determine whether your relationship makes it to the finish line. We owe it to each other to be more open to the ideas of others and to new ways of doing things. This fosters growth. And in the end, you may even agree to disagree.
The important thing is to respect the others’ ideas and seek to create a caring environment where people feel free to express their feelings and be who they really are without fear of being judged. That is what will make the world a better place for all of us to live in and be happy all the way to the finish line. So, Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Dr. Walter Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
