In the last couple of weeks, we have spoken of conversation and the intent behind it a great deal. I absolutely LOVE it, when in the course of a conversation, a golden nugget of wisdom appears. Perhaps we should always enter any conversation with this in mind ~
BE MORE CURIOUS THAN CERTAIN
I am fairly certain this came from the following quote~
If only we could remember this, before launching into an argument. What if we could hear everyone out on their side of the conversation and not immediately jump on the band wagon of you are wrong. Are you listening to what is being said or thinking about how to refute it? There is much to be learned from determining where the speaker is coming from before declaring him dead dog wrong. I truly believe there are two sides to almost every argument.
What if before declaring the opposing view wrong, we were willing to hear them out--before interrupting (we talked about that recently) and with an open mind. Do they perhaps have a point? Could there be more to the argument than we understand. Do we even give them an opportunity to state their view? Are we the least bit curious or are we closed off and unwilling to listen to what they are thinking? Would it make any difference if a loved one was the one we didn't agree with? Is there any way any part of our argument could be flawed or there could be extenuating circumstances? Are we the least bit curious? Food for thought today---do a little introspection and be curious.
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4
It is so important to hear someone out, even when we know they're "dead dog wrong." (Love that!) Another blogging friend of mine chose "curiosity" as her word for the year, so it has been one of the catalysts for me to engage in that more. Lord, give me patience!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Lulu!
It IS fascinating to discover how people get their opinions and it is a complex subject. I have so many expressions such as dead dog wrong that come from a long life of rich Southern heritage. I don't even think about them much--but can you imagine what someone who is ESL thinks when they hear that. OH DEAR!
DeleteBlessings!