In our interactions with others, differences of opinion are not only inevitable, they are essential. Without differences, there can be no growth or development. When someone offers a perspective that is different from ours, the question to ask is: What is the value in this for me? Instead of rejecting it outright, we can extract what is useful and apply it to our own growth.
Separating the Message from the Messenger
Often, when a person does not behave appropriately, our hearts close toward them. We may even dismiss the good points they make, simply because we dislike their attitude. But this is a mistake. If the words hold truth, we lose nothing by accepting them. The speaker’s faults remain theirs; the value of the truth remains ours.
This requires a discipline of listening with humility. We must learn to separate the content of the message from the conduct of the messenger. If we only accept truth from those we admire, we cut ourselves off from countless opportunities to learn.
Our Responsibility and God’s
At the same time, we should remember that every person is ultimately accountable before God. If someone refuses to listen or act upon what is right, that is between them and their Creator. What matters is our choice — whether we are open to recognize and adopt what is true when it reaches us, regardless of the source.
A Practical Approach
- When faced with someone you disagree with, pause and ask: Is there something true or valuable here that I can use?
- If yes, accept it — even if you don’t admire the person who said it.
- Leave the rest. Their refusal or shortcomings are theirs to carry; your responsibility is your own openness to growth.
Reflection Questions
- When was the last time you dismissed a good point because you didn’t like the person saying it?
- How can you train yourself to notice and extract value even from people you disagree with?
- What does it say about your humility if you can accept truth regardless of its source?
- How might your relationships and personal growth change if you practiced this regularly?