Tact

"Tact," said Sir Isaac Newton, "is the art of making a point without making an enemy."  When you finish "discussing" an issue with someone, and you feel as though you have made your point, do you ever feel as though you have made an enemy in the process?  If so, then ask yourself if you could have made your point differently.  Were you rude?  (Love is kind.)  Were you impatient with your opponent?  (Love is patient.)  Were you short with your opponent?  (Love is longsuffering.)  Sometimes, in spite of the "good news" or the point that we seek to share with others, we offend them with our attitude and/or our actions, but other times, our point is offensive, regardless of how lovingly we share it.  For, clearly, you cannot always make a point without making an enemy, but surely you can make many points without making enemies.  As such, let me encourage you with the words of the Apostle Paul, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."  Romans 12:18.