Healthy compromise

Read these scriptures: “Pursue peace with all people” (Hebrews 12:14 NKJV). “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield…the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:17-18 NKJV). “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:10-11 NKJV). Healthy compromise doesn’t mean giving up what you truly believe or who you truly are. It doesn’t mean taking shortcuts and relinquishing yourself to second- or third-best because you are impatient or fearful. No, healthy compromise is about discovering how to negotiate a win-win position for both sides. It calls for trying to see things through the eyes of the other person involved in the situation or problem. And healthy compromise is the characteristic of healthy relationships. It’s tempting to write off someone as “wrong” or “selfish” and refuse to see any other perspective except your own. But this is when it’s critical to abandon your pride, to step outside the role you are playing, and to try to understand where the other person is coming from. A meat cleaver is required when you want a meal, but a fine surgical instrument is required when you want to heal. Haven’t there been times when you yourself needed patience, love, and understanding? Yes? Then be willing to extend the same grace to others. Sometimes all that’s required is a little give-and-take to make the relationship work and for things to turn out better for everyone involved.