To Disagree or To Be Disagreeable
Posted: Friday, October 17, 2008
by Avis Ward
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
Lately, I've encountered some disagreeable people. I know you have heard this before: "Opinions, everyone has one." It may not be exactly as you've heard it before but close, correct? I respect anyone's opinion. I even understand when it differs from mine but because I understand doesn't mean I am in agreement with the opinion.
Disagree means, "to differ in opinion" while, disagreeable means, "unpleasant in manner or nature." There is a tremendous difference, isn't there?
This being my way of thinking and analyzing 'disagreeable' people or people who are extremely difficult to get along with, I resort to praying for them. They are in dire need of prayer. The Holy Spirit brings joy and accord, not discord. Even if two people do not agree, they can have agreement that they do not agree with no harsh words, disrespect or false accusations being made. Not only is that Spiritual maturity but that's a sign of character and moral integrity.
These people tend to accuse others of the very shortcomings they possess. What they see so clearly is a reflection of themselves without a mirror. It makes them unhappy and instead of trying to correct their personal character flaws, they verbally assault others. Now, I must admit, it takes quite a bit of verbal assault for me to be wounded. I am apt to jump to the defense of someone else instead of my own defense because I am secure in who I am in Christ. I will readily apologize even if I feel I haven't done anything wrong but not over blatant nonsense. I've heard that our perception is our reality, even if distorted.
If you disagree with someone about something, just disagree. Do not launch an attack at them. They are likely not to care and you look rather poorly and risk alienating yourself from some really great people and opportunities.
Remember this Beatitude? "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." Blessed means to be happy. Peacemakers are happy people. I'll do and say some really silly things just to keep the peace. I won't knowingly sin but it's just that important to me to have togetherness instead of separateness. People are a true passion of mine.
(c) 2008 Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for New Life
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Thank you Avis. Nothing witty, your words stand well enough on their own merits.You're welcome, G. I thank you, too. I sincerely appreciate your comments. Be well and enjoy a lovely weekend!
Wow Avis, what a superb article. This one was so good I'm almost speechless. What a great way to start the weekend.BobWow Bob, what a superb comment. I am deeply touched, thank you! I hope the weekend's great! (Thanks for becoming a fan.)
Hi Avis -- like the others, I have nothing more to say; you've said it all and said it beautifully -- thank you for sharing this and wishing you a great weekend!Hi Judi, thank you with all my heart. I'm wishing you a great weekend, as well!
Avis, I am going to soon share how much it is okay to "be more than I can comprehend?"God bless you,Michelle, I anticipate the piece. Thank you for being here. Blessings from heaven to you.
Thanks for the reminder, Avis. How easy it is to launch attacks when we disagree! Your advice and the reasons you give are well taken. ~mogama~My pleasure, Mogama. It is easy to lose one's self in the heat of the moment - when we're passionate about something but temperance is a Fruit of the Spirit. All of us have areas that need work and we're therefore, a work in progress. Recognizing this is rather crucial, I feel. Thank you for honest personal reflection.
Thanks Avis. A much needed reminder to all of us!A pleasure, James. Thank you for reading this article and a favorable response.
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