Why You Should Hear From Both Sides Of An Argument Before Making Conclusion

Misunderstandings are bound to occur in every human relationships. As unique in nature as we all are, so too it is that there are bound to be clashes of interests. These clashes of interests often lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, chaos, quarrels and fights.

When conflicts are left unresolved, they could linger for long. In the same vein, a conflict that is not properly handled could escalate into major conflict that may become difficult to manage.

Many too often than not, we are too quick to jump at conclusions, and to taking sides without hearing from both sides of the conflicting parties. When this happens, we are bound to misjudge, and the end result, is a lingering conflict, or an aggravation of the status quo, rather than resolution.

Below, we will see reasons why it is necessary to hear from both sides of an argument before passing judgement or arriving at a conclusion.

• People often feel they are right for acting the way they do. If a party of an argument were to narrate to you what actually led to the conflict, he/she will tell what will be favourable on his/her account.

A wise judge will therefore, listen to both sides before taking sides, decision, or arriving at a conclusion.

• The one who conveyed the message to you may not know the proper account of the misunderstanding, or why the other party or parties acted the way they did. Hence, even if you feel the others have acted wrongly, it is right to hear from them before you conclude. You may be surprise to learn the motive for their action(s).

In the bible, a misunderstanding occurred between the tribe of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, after lands had been allotted to the twelve tribes of Israel according to lot.

The tribe of Reuben, Gad, and half tribe of Manasseh got their lots at the other side Jordan. But before taking their positions at their inheritance, they were requested by Joshua to join the remaining Israelites to vanquish their foes before returning to their inheritance.

This they did. After the Lord had settled the Israelites and given them rest on every side, these three tribes were to return to their inheritance, but before doing so, they decided to erect an alter at the side Jordan where the Israelites passed.

When news of this development got to the remaining 10 tribes, they got ready for battle to fight their brethren because they thought these people had done this because they had the intention to sin against the Lord, as to having their own place of worship where they could sacrifice to other gods and idols beside the living God, the God of Israel.

They only got to learn the reason for this action after sending Phinehas, and heads from each of the ten tribes to enquire why their brethren had done so.

They got to learn eventually that Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh had done this, for fear of their descendants being refused of their portion in the Lord, thereby causing them to sin against the Lord, when their ancestors may no longer be alive. This action was indeed carried out for a good cause. Joshua 22:1-34.

Imagine if the rest tribes had actually gone for the war, then later discovered this truth. The damage would already had been done, and it would have been very difficult to amend.

Their wisdom employed in sending these key individuals to find out the motives of their brethren, saved a conflict, misunderstanding, and a fight.

Therefore, it is also worthwhile for us as Christians, to always endeavor where possible to hear the both sides of an argument or a conflict before reaching a conclusion.

This will ensure that will take the right decision that will enable us the freedom and enablement to live at peace with all men.