I’m sure you have heard the saying, “There are two sides to every story”. My mom used to say it to me all the time – usually when I was complaining about my brothers. And I still use the saying today. Just like my mom, I used it A LOT while raising our children. And I continue to refer to it in my mind when I hear only one side of a story. It helps me to not jump to conclusions. If we are not careful, we could find ourselves in the middle of someone else’s argument – someplace we do not want to be! Considering that there are two sides to every story helps prevent that from happening.
I think this expression can be very useful in resolving our own disagreements as well. If we are angry with someone, we may need to listen to their side of the story in order to allay any misunderstanding. And we may need to make sure they understand our side. Considering both sides of the story helps us make honest assessments, work out our differences, and thereby settle our disputes.
Hearing both sides of the story also helps us make unbiased judgments. Our two sons are two years apart. When they were young, there were many times when one would come crying to me that the other had hit him or something or the sort. Now as a mom, I could have punished the accused brother and been done. But in order to make a fair decision, I needed to hear both sides of the story. Often, the accused was provoked by the accuser. So, after hearing both sides, my usual “punishment” was to make them hug and tell each other that they were sorry. I say “punishment” because they often perceived it as such, but to me it was justice.
One reason that there are two sides to every story is that everyone has their own point of view. I frequently laugh when we reminisce at family gatherings. The way our children recount something from their youth is often totally different than my recollection of the event. Even more amusing is when they recall something that I did, which is not at all the way I remember doing it. These conversations used to puzzle me until I realized that they were simply illustrations of two sides to every story. Actually, I have concluded that memories are not reliable for this very reason.
Another cause for two sides to every story is that people have different opinions. We develop our opinions from our individual experiences and by what we were taught. We assimilate this information and make decisions about it, which become our opinions and beliefs. Then we tend to filter new information through our opinions. Consequently, two people can receive the same information, but since it is flavored by their differing opinions, it can result in two sides to the story.
All in all, I think we can agree that “two sides to every story” is applicable in many situations. However, there is one notable exception. There is only one side to God’s story, which is revealed to us in the Bible. You may be thinking, there are many different attitudes about the Bible. And you are right. There are many interpretations of the scriptures floating around out there, but there is still only one truth. Truth is truth. And if God’s story – His Word is the truth, there cannot be different versions of it, or else it would not be the truth. God, in His infinite wisdom declared THE truth, and had it written in His Word, (the Bible) so we could read, learn and understand it. People can argue against it, they can have different stories about it, they can even contradict it, but none of those things change the truth. The truth of God’s Word is perfect and unalterable. It is unwavering and undeniable. It is a constant that never changes. It is always right, and we can always count on it. All the other sides to God’s story do not and cannot change it, for only it is the truth.
Now, some might call me close-minded on this subject. I would say, I’m committed. As Christians, we need to be committed to the truth. If we are not, then the Bible holds no more authority in our lives than any other book. Everyone can make up their own minds; they are free to have their own opinions about the Bible. Free will is one of the greatest things God gave us. But …“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. (Joshua 24:15b). Choosing to serve God is one of the best things we can ever do for ourselves.
It is very interesting to note that in almost every situation, we are benefitted by listening to both sides of the story. Gathering as much information as we can and weighing the variables can help us make informed decisions. But we must remember that all this information we are gathering is of the world and is therefore temporal. Thus, it is either intangible knowledge and subject to perception or tangible knowledge and subject to change. Hearing both sides of the story helps us make better judgement calls, but we can’t forget that those judgements are temporal.
God’s information is spiritual. It is not limited by perceptions, and it does not change. So, it can provide all the information we need. Weighing spiritual knowledge against temporal knowledge is futile. Yet, people still try to cram God’s information into the confines of worldly limitations. Or worse, they allow worldly knowledge to take preeminence over Godly knowledge in their minds. Godly knowledge is perfect and superior to worldly knowledge in every way!
As for me, I accept God’s side of the story as not only the truth, but also as my only rule of faith and practice. I might listen to the other side of the story in order to help someone, but not because I doubt God’s side. I weigh the world’s information against the standard of God’s Word, never the other way around. And I try to base all my judgments on God’s standard.
To sum up, I’d say that the statement, “there are two sides to every story” is fairly accurate. Considering both sides of the story is beneficial for making fair assessments. But in order to make the best decisions, we need to base our judgments on a trusted standard. And for me, that is God’s matchless Word.
Note to my readers: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32) Sure do appreciate you! Thanks for reading.