There isn't anybody in the world who isn't worth something," I say. "If you're nice to them, they'll be nice to you. The same people you meet on the way up are the same kind of people you meet on the way down. Besides that, every person you meet is one of God's children.

Until the antireligion zealots learn the meaning of the word tolerance, we will continue to experience unnecessary strife.

Civility and political correctness, contrary to the thinking of many, are not the same. Civility constrains behavior and words based on genuine caring about others, while political correctness is only a facade of caring while hoping to cultivate public approval.

We can help our nation quite a bit if we refrain from getting into our respective corners and throwing hand grenades at each other, and instead try to understand the other's viewpoint, reject the stifling of political correctness, and engage in intelligent civil discussion.

Compromise is most likely when both parties respect each other no matter how much they disagree. In stressful situations where you need a consensus, respect sometimes means saying nothing and refraining from name-calling even when irritated.

In our day and age, the Samaritan woman might have been someone we would condemn. Maybe we would point out the error of her ways rather than reach out to her in love. But what did Jesus do? He loved her enough to talk to her— and then listen. He acknowledged her as a person. Then, and only then, did He begin to instruct her.

thick, cozy cloud. We want to believe the best about people in our identity groups, and thankfully, the best is often the truth.

This land has yet to see a generation of Jesus followers with guts enough to live the good news Galatians 3:28 preaches.

I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. Hosea 11:4 (NIV)

Stay out of my salsa and I'll stay out of yours. This is key to long-lasting relationships in Texas.

Let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Colossians 3:15

Hear the other side.