Finding Compromise

Finding Compromise

Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

Proverbs 12:14-15

IN MAKING DECISIONS, husbands and wives often disagree. If we don’t learn how to come together, we may spend a lifetime fighting. In yesterday’s devotion, I said that agreement requires listening, understanding, and compromise. Compromise expresses a willingness to move. It is the opposite of being rigid. King Solomon said it bluntly in Proverbs 12: “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” If we respect our spouse as our partner, we should also respect his or her viewpoint. It’s neither wise nor loving to cling to our own viewpoint to the exclusion of our mate.

There are three possible ways to resolve a disagreement. One is what I call “Meet you on your side.” In other words, you might say, “Now that I see how important this is to you, I’m willing to do what you want.” You agree to do it your spouse’s way for his or her benefit.

A second possibility is “Meet you in the middle.” This means you might say, “I’d be willing to give a little if you could give a little, and we’ll meet in the middle.” For example, “I’ll go with you to your mother’s for the Friday night dinner if you will return with me Saturday morning in time for the big game.”

The third possibility is “Meet you later.” A couple in this position might say, “We don’t seem to be making any progress. Why don’t we just agree to disagree and discuss it again next week?” In the meantime, call a truce and treat each other kindly.

Father, thank you for these ideas on how to compromise. Please help me to let go of my need to do things my way. You know that I love my spouse and want to respect his or her ideas. I want to commit to loving compromise as we make decisions.

Compromise