Who is right...?

Many a quarrel ends up in a stalemate. It is at times difficult to come to a conclusion who was right and who was wrong.

But could it not happen that both were right because each one saw from his/her angle. To this person it appeared to be right and so it did to the other person from another perspective.

Looking at the event from two different angles one could come to an opinion that is contrary and yet right from that perspective.

The problem lies in not being able to see it from the other’s perspective though to my judgment it is wrong. If but I had tried to get into the other’s shoes perhaps I would have come to know why this other person is unable to accept my view or finds it difficult to do so. I would perceive the existing problem. Then what is left is patient dialogue, helping the other to see from a proper perspective and come to a mutual understanding. There is no need to break the other’s head or even heart for that matter because it is so very difficult to mend a broken heart.

Only love can replace hatred.

To go with the idea into a dialogue prejudiced or not ready to listen to the other, having made up one’s mind and already closed oneself up and simply for the sake of society going through the motions of dialogue does not bring about lasting peace. It could, perhaps, bring a compromise, a truce which will be broken at the very first opportunity.
In the time of Jesus, the Pharisees and Scribes (experts in interpreting the law) had already made up their minds that they are not going to believe in Jesus. So they only sought reasons to say why they do not accept him: they said that he is performing wonders and casting out devils by the power of the prince of the devils.

Jesus showed them the hollowness of their logic by arguing with them successfully (Cf. Mt 12.24-32) but still they did not accept him. This is what happens to us sometimes.
We are unable to accept another’s view because already in our minds we have decided that we are not going to accept what he or she says.

My prejudice blinds my eye and I am unable to see the truth, the truth which will make us free (cf. Jn 8.32).

To have an open mind, a readiness to see the truth whenever it presents itself to us could truly make us happy and peaceful in life.

There are also times when our arguments, especially in family circles, could be very silly. It often happens that a number of small events go on to add to our tension; a time comes when we burst out in anger.

We are not able to listen to reasoning at that time. We become emotional and when this is allowed to escalate it ends up in taking stands of prejudice from which it is difficult to come out.

It is much better to make excuses in our mind for the others at home. It is genuine love that overcomes all such situations.