“Don’t talk about politics or religion.” No matter how old you are, it’s something we’ve all heard. Over the years, other topics like racial and gender equality and abortion are off the table too. Of course, in 2020, we’ve added a whole new set of divisive discussions:
Mask or no mask
Pharmaceutical treatment or vaccine
Lockdown or open up
Social distance or herd immunity
In-person classroom or virtual learning
I, along with the other 7.5 billion people in the world, have my own opinions about all of the above…which I will not be sharing at this time. :-) However, as challenging as all of this has been, there is one underlying issue that continues to dishearten me:
We have forgotten how to respectfully disagree.
From news headlines to social media posts, our words are dripping with accusation and disapproval.
Is it wrong to disagree with other people? Not at all. God gave us minds so we can think for ourselves. Disagreements over the course of history have led to justice and much-needed change.
But now, it just seems to lead to unfriending and canceling.
In Acts 17:2, when Paul visited Thessalonica, he “entered the synagogue, as was his custom, and for three Sabbaths he engaged in discussion and friendly debate with them from the Scriptures…”
Paul, the former Pharisee turned Jesus follower, probably knew the law better than anyone and could have run circles around the Jewish leaders with his words. But instead, he chose to “reason” with these people, through the “process of giving and receiving information…to reach deeper understanding.”* Of course, his ultimate desire was that they would encounter Jesus but he still engaged in respectful conversation.
Long after COVID is gone, there will continue to be things that divide us … ideologies and beliefs where we find ourselves on one side or the other. If we’re being honest, whatever side we are on, it is human nature to believe we are right.
When we find ourselves engaging in these discussions, we can go in waving the flag of “I KNOW I’m right” then proceed to run people over with our opinions. Or…we could change our approach to “I THINK I’m right … but I may be wrong.” (It’s a line my husband uses all the time when we counsel married couples but I think it applies to Facebook posts/comments too.) When we open ourselves up to that possibility, it can change the conversation. It is also beneficial to turn statements into questions (another wise piece of advice from my husband). We may not find agreement but we can reach some level of understanding.
The Bible encourages us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19) There are repeated warnings for people who are “unteachable and wise” in their own eyes. (Proverbs 26:12). And when the right time comes for us to express ourselves, remember this: “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. AND DO EVERYTHING IN LOVE.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)
If you disagree with this post, no problem. I think I’m right … but I may be wrong.
~ Anu
*(from HELPS word-studies)
Photo by Bewakoof.com Officialon Unsplash
