2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Job 15-16 GW; Psalms 69 GW
Agree to disagree.
Eliphaz is responding to Job; they are in the middle of a disagreement. Eliphaz thinks Job sinned, so God punished him by taking his family, servants, and livelihood. Job disagrees:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21 ESV)
Starting in chapter four, their conversation is still going on eleven chapters later. Both men standing firm in their positions, neither one of them budging. Finally, Job says:
“I have heard many things like this before. You are all pathetic at comforting me.” (Job 16:2 GW)
If this conversation was taking place on social media today, name-calling is a likely response. People don’t handle disagreements well on the internet. Someone needs to lead the way.
Start with you.
When you’re in a disagreement with someone, neither side bending, agree to disagree. Don’t allow the conversation to degrade into name-calling and meanness. Take the high road first. Allow the other person to have their opinion; they are entitled to it. Whether you’re right or wrong isn’t as important as preserving the relationship. No one is going to agree with you all of the time; that’s ok.
Agreeing to disagree takes practice, especially for someone like me. But the more comfortable I become, allowing others to express their opinions, even if different from mine, the better I get at this lost art. Somewhere down the line, this notion that everyone has to do things the same evolved. Nothing is further from the truth. Our purposes on earth are as unique as the stars in the sky.
Not everyone will look at life the same way as you; thank God. Sameness doesn’t add spice to life. We need salt and pepper to balance a meal. However, agreeing to disagree that is flavorful.
Spice up your friend’s list. Practice agreeing to disagree. Watch how flavorful life becomes.
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Lord, thank You for constantly challenging us to grow. Forgive us for not accepting the challenge. As we move through our lives today, help us not force our opinion on others. If an argument hits a dead end, give us the courage to agree to disagree. Help us lead the way in promoting peace in the world. All glory is Yours. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
Who do you need to agree to disagree with today?
