Two words that are conspicuous, to me, because of their absence in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible are assume and compromise.
To me, John 8:32 speaks of the opposite of assume, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Personally, I assume nothing in my processes of drawing conclusions.
Likewise, compromise does not appear in the KJV. Why?
Compromise sets people at odds with one another; it does not build a coalition. The definition of coalition I see as being biblically based, i.e., the act of coalescing: UNION.
The Elements of Compromise
When two opposing principles or propositions must be reconciled they are brought together in a conversation between two or more people. Each faction holds to tenets near and/or dear to them. Each party will state their case knowing they are at odds with one another. In order to resolve differences opposing parties begin to make concessions to the other in an attempt to arrive at an agreement.
What is wrong with this process?
In order to reach a point of compromise each person or party must give up something of value they hold in order to appease the other person or party.
Bottom Line: Each person is to some degree dissatisfied with the ultimate compromise because of what they lost in the process thereby not able to be satisfied with the agreement.
Militarists have long contended appeasement breed conflict.
What is the biblical solution? Co-operation.
Co-operation, is seen by some as an element of compromise, and that this statement is a play-on-words – but it is not.
How to Remove the Fallacy from Compromise
As above stated, each party brings their views to the table, and state them fully without interruption. Each point of each presenter is then weighed against Scripture. Points that cannot be supported biblically are made to conform to Scripture. Both parties will them agree to conform, that is, co-operate with God’s Word.
Next Time: Right versus Wrong
