Today’s lesson is on the art of compromise.

To some compromise is a four-letter word. To others that is what we should strive for. In some leadership training, we say compromise is a lose-lose situation as all parties have to give up something to make a deal. We should instead aim for win-win. As much as I’m an idealist, I know that win-win doesn’t happen all the time. That sometimes compromise is what we search for. Yesterday, I was engaged in a Facebook discussion about the number of school shootings in America. The main discussion started on what classifies as a school shooting or just someone getting shot near or on school grounds. I thought the discussion was ridiculous as one is too many and we shouldn’t be fighting over semantics. One is too many. Throughout the discussion, I was told I was trying to take away all the guns. Would I rather be killed by knives and sticks? (I answered yes, but that’s another debate). No matter the facts, the figures, no matter the discussion about coming to a common understanding, it was black and white to them: I wanted to ban guns. After the conversation went negative, I deleted my comments and ended up unfriending the person. I was then told I was “butt-hurt” and left.  This is not compromise nor even close to it. this is another case of the “others” and an unwillingness to compromise.

“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10

Yelling, screaming, name calling, doesn’t help. We should be encouraging the disheartened, helping the weak, and be patient with everyone. In many conversations, this isn’t happening. My side or yours. I’m right you are wrong. The 1st  Corinthians verse was talking about division in the church leadership and ideas. It also applies to these situations. We need to agree with each other on the problem and that we want to fix it. Then we need to find a solution. The same words to me, is being on the same page and working together, not fighting.

Are you ready to come together with an open mind and decide on a common problem? Are you ready to think of ways to start the process not focusing on the causes or immediate solutions? (And yes, it is hard).

I know I am.

#47of365 #FaithBites #FaithJourney