"The Bridge" © Steven Vincent Johnson

The necessary assumptions in any bridge building project:

1. Existence of the other side.

There is no point in building a bridge to nowhere. The other side exists and has a right to exist.

2. Solidity of both sides.

The base or basis of a bridge must be accepted at both ends.

3. Existence of a gap (river).

If there is only one piece of ground, there is no need for a bridge.

4. The gap is not too wide to bridge.

No one tries to build a bridge across an ocean.

5. The gap is not too deep to bridge.

Although deep gaps may exist -- and they are very real and not mere illusions -- still a bridge can be constructed.

6. The value of building a bridge.

Bridges are mutually helpful and beneficial. They are costly but worth the effort.

Don't be an ambiphobe!

Ambiphobes are those who recognize and respect only one side of an issue, and advocate it exclusively. They are largely unaware of the views of the other side, and hence incapable of self-criticism.

Ambiphiles are those who recognize and appreciate the importance of seeing all sides of an issue, i.e. there may be a dilemma that requires a lot of careful thought. Ambiphiles are not simply meek people trying to gloss over serious problems, but they seek deeper understanding of the truth by listening to all the arguments.

What the Bible says:

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every evil practice."
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."

James 3:13-18 NIV

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