Whether politics, religion, or personal relationships we have lost civility. To disagree has come to be equated with dislike.

          Our denomination has seen an escalation in polarization over difference on a couple issues. The answer has been to turn the disagreement from dislike to departure from the denomination. Where is the civility to Part Company in good and gracious manner? Some of the attacks have shown that disagreement has turned to dislike.

          In politics our leader calls other nations names. I am not debating whether they are evil or not, but am decrying the agitation that such treatments which ensures an “enemy”status.     

Our first lady as reported by TIME October 8^th edition walked right by Ahmadinejad at the UN and even used his desk as a lean-on to advance up the stairs. Where was the “Good Morning” demonstration of civility?

          In social settings as we discuss various issues if we don’t agree with someone then walking away will certainly be viewed as dislike. Why not have a meeting of the minds to agree to disagree and find some agreement somewhere.

          Now as Christians we have some biblical directive. We are told to “Love our enemies”, and to pray for them. Matthew 18 gives some help to restoring disagreeing people. It does not say anything about whether an opposing party is deemed unapproachable or not. We, as Christians, are encouraged to have our words seasoned with grace. Kindness is a virtue not a vice. Disagreement does not have to translate into dislike.