Perspectives can be tricky when the aim is to discern truth. Some other synonyms for this are angle, slant, viewpoint…you get the idea. One’s perspective is always subjective. We all bring our personal experiences, backgrounds and views into any given situation when we observe what we consider an injustice. Someone has been wronged and from our perspective we form an opinion about who is at fault. The angle from where we are standing seems crystal clear to us and we choose our side. We very rarely consider that the other angles may have some legitimacy, some bits of truth that put some responsibility on both sides. This is especially true when it’s a “he said, she said” situation without any hard forensic evidence—just witness testimony.
This is when it begins to get dangerous. At first, its the quiet whispers between a few, “Did you know…?”, “What do you think about…?, “Can you believe…?” But like a hunk of chum thrown into the sea it creates a feeding frenzy of rumors that assassinate the very characters of those involved. While we are all flawed and prone to mistakes, we seem to find it easy to judge other’s missteps and poor decisions with a great deal of vigor. Divisions begin to occur as alliances are formed or demolished, Friendships get damaged and hearts get broken.
How great would it be if we could be humble enough to recognize that our perspectives may not be as definitive as we think. Perhaps, if we took the unassuming role of putting ourselves in the other’s shoes, we might see that from their angle things look quite different. If unity could be our hope and aim, we may be able to avoid the bloody waters. It’s always better to be peacemakers than troublemakers. But, this takes humility and an honesty with ourselves. It requires love and forgiveness toward others. If you’re a follower of Jesus, well, he has gone way beyond that for you. So, let’s keep in mind that our perspectives need some careful evaluation before we allow them to determine truth.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
James 3:13-18 NIV