Beach Ball, viewpoint

[Duffy]

You know the vinal beach balls that are made up of a couple different colored strips. If you sit one on a table between you and a friend and ask him what color it is he may say"why it is green and white and blue" At least those are the colors he sees from his side. You might say "no it is red and white and yellow" as those are the colors you see on your side.

You are both half right as you are describing what you see on your side. Your "viewpoint". Rather that get into a disagreement about who is right and who is wrong, it is better to accept the other persons viewpoint and combine your knowledge and then know the true color of the ball. Or go over to his side so you can experience his viewpoint.

Thinking of this analogy helps me to understand and deal with the differences of opinions that other people have and how I communicate with them.

Robin

[etothepii]

True. It is also helpful to establish a basis for conversation -- objectively, free of argument or emotion. In you analogy, you might say,

"Do you see the beach ball on the table?"

"Do you call it a beach ball, or will you be using another term?"

Etc.

[Chuck7]

I agree...we could all learnto communicate much better to the glory of God...I see the need and am working on it...but I think this skill may take a life time.. Why goodness me ..Paul and Mark couldn't even get along in the book of Acts.and it was no little spat.