It is Safe to say…

[Akita Suggagaki]

That we all get frustrated and even angry when we exchange with people who do not share our opinions and agree with our views.

It becomes a real test of our character.. But we can do this. It is a spiritual challenge where the true adversary is one’s self.

 

[Servus]

It's safe to say that certain people should have actually exhibited the empathy they keep saying they have, and not said anything that displayed a lack of compassion.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

No matter the topic of the day, the responses are predictable.

 

[RileyG]

That we all get frustrated and even angry when we exchange with people who do not share our opinions and agree with our views.

It becomes a real test of our character.. But we can do this. It is a spiritual challenge where the true adversary is one’s self.

Yes. Absolutely! Especially when we cannot see the person face to face. That's the real challenge!

 

[Freth]

A recent forum announcement said, "Avoid you, your statements." I'll expand on it a bit.

Remove the "you" from the discourse.

• "You/your" being the other person. Pointing a finger at the other person and getting personal to win an argument.
• "You/your" being your ego. Your being invested in the other person agreeing with you.

The rules I try to use in debate are these.

• Remove ego and personal investment from the discourse. Be impartial to the outcome.
• Engage in the subject matter of the discussion, not the people involved in the discussion (unless the subject matter is the person, i.e. needing help, advice, etc.).
• Present facts.
• Reason with more facts.
• Let the facts stand if there are no more points to be made.
• Agree to disagree if there is no agreement.
• Leave the debate and let others have the last word if the facts have been presented.
• Let the Holy Spirit do His work.
• Keep the perspective that it isn't just about the participants, but the potential readers.

These have helped me.

Do I still get angry and frustrated? Sure. Having the right perspective goes a long way. Not everyone is going to agree with you, even if you present facts that cannot be disputed. It is just the way it is. You can let anger and frustration cause you to lash out, or you can rest in the knowledge you presented a solid argument and leave it in the Holy Spirit's hands.