Learn to bend

here’s a great quote about relationships:

“Disagreements are inevitable. There will always be opposing viewpoints and a variety of perspectives on most subjects. Tastes differ as well as preferences. That is why they make vanilla and chocolate and strawberry ice cream, why they build Fords and Chevys, Chryslers and Cadillacs, Hondas and Toyotas. That is why our nation has room for Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals – and moderates. The tension is built into our system. It is what freedom is all about, including religious freedom.  I am fairly firm in my theological convictions, but that doesn’t mean you (or anyone) must agree with me. All this explains why we must place so much importance on leaving “wobble room” in our relationships. One’s theological persuasion may not bend, but one’s involvement with others must.”  – Chuck Swindoll

do you give space in your relationships for different opinions?  can you walk closely with people who don’t see things from your point of view?  are you determined not to run from the tension that appears in every relationship from time to time?

the longer i’m at it,  the more convinced i am of the value of sticking with it.  some friendships are easy.  others…not so much.  in every relationship,  the risk of hurt…misunderstanding…unfair judgment…mistakes…mixed motives…and wrong perceptions…is always a possibility.

throw in a layer of dysfunction and mix it with some fear and paranoia…well, you’ve got a recipe for difficulty.

i love swindoll’s answer:  be strong enough…and healthy enough…to bend.

#disagreement #friendship #swindoll