A few years ago the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in a conference final where the Blazers missed fifteen shots in a row during the final, desperate quarter.

The next day the Los Angeles Times said that the Blazers “choked,” and that the referees “let the players decide the game’s outcome by refusing to interrupt the game constantly with whistles and play stoppages.”

The Portland papers saw it a little differently. “We were robbed,” they cried. “The referees refused to call any fouls in the final quarter!”

Well, I guess there were two ways to see that story! There are always two sides to a story. Often when a high profile court case is taking place, we hear the defense, and wonder if the accused should be nominated for sainthood. Then we hear the prosecution speak, and wonder if hell’s not too good for him!

“The first to present a case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him” (Proverbs 18:17).

When you hear some juicy gossip about someone you know, be analytical. Don’t swallow their tale of crime and evil hook, line and sinker.

Remember, there’s probably more to the tale. Wait till you hear the other side of the story.

–by Stan Mitchell @ www.forthright.net