In today’s world, there is much to disagree on. Lately, it has seemed that our society has fallen in love with this idea that if someone disagrees with you, then they must hate you so therefore, you must hate them.

First of all, this is an unintelligent. Secondly, this is an incredibly immature way of thinking.

Regardless of what society and the media says, there are indeed ways to get along with people you disagree with. Here are 3:

Control your emotions. This is the root of where hate lingers. When we disagree, it can often stir something within to make our blood boil. This can sometimes be a natural reaction. However, this doesn’t make it ok. My 11 month old daughter reacts this way when she doesn’t hear or get what she wants. The way we grow up in this situation is by handling our issues in a mature fashion. With respect, kindness and love.
Be positive.  Optimism can bring out the best in not just others, but you. Look on the bright side of things. Positivity brings light to the conversation. Negativity brings darkness. This does not mean that you should give in to other person’s opinions. It just means that you can stand your ground while being uplifting at the same time.
Pray for them. Prayer is often the answer for most things but especially in this situation. Having worked in the church for a long while, you definitely gain some people who disagree with you. Christ said to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). I can tell you firsthand that this works. Praying for those people takes that identity of “enemy” away much easier than you think. It causes so much anger to settle and helps guide you with “…peace that surpasses understanding…” (Phillippians 4:7).

Remember that disagreeing is okay. It’s a matter of how you do it, though, that determines whether you’ll live with love in your heart or hate. I’ll stick with what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said.

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

-MLK Jr.

— Marshall Coleman (@Marsh_Coleman) September 8, 2015

May you Give love in every disagreement you come across in your story.

What other things have you done to help in disagreeing situations?