To put people in their place, lift them up. People aren’t verbal punching bags. They’re bearers of the image of God. Kind responses to conflict may not bring peace, but at least they don’t escalate it.

To continually fuss and cuss and throw people under the bus isn’t good for us. As leaders throw each other under the political bus the drama gives passengers trauma. Surely someday, we’ll have enough of all the political fuss.

Politicians say, “I’ll fight for you.” I think they mean, “I’ll fuss and show my ego.” If we would discuss more and fuss less, we’d all get along much better.

Let’s reason together; calmly think things thru. That has to work better than fussing. Political adulting sets aside the insulting. If we learn to disagree without being disrespectful, we’ll get along better.

It’s much more fulfilling to be kind to people than it is to argue with them. I’m for heart appreciation — finding the image of God in everybody I encounter. We are all like damaged works of art, distorted masterpieces that need restoration.

If you engage people with your heart, not just words, you have a deeper connection. Everyone appreciates kindness. Share some and see!