Fighting Fair in Friendships

In this episode our hosts unpack healthy ways to dialogue about differences and friction in friendship, and arguing in a charitable way especially when an ugly fight might otherwise break out. Padre and Stina share a humorous, early argument they had in their friendship with a clash of prides, and the lesson they both learned through it.  

Some tips include; decide what is most important to us and recognize that what ever we decide will have consequences. I.e. If we choose to be right and to win, then we've places ourselves as a priority and we need to accept that we may hurt the other person. If we choose to avoid or to win by being non-responsive, then we demonstrate we are not invested in the other person. If we choose love, then we may well lose the argument, and may need to invest more, but we will demonstrate respectful listening and speaking and that will go further in winning them over. 

Note: the term heretic can sometimes we thrown around quite recklessly in circles, this is quite severe and hurtful. 

Close friends should also consider the cause of the argument the problem, not the other person, and work together to overcome the problem. 

Don't let these things fester - seek clarity instead of doubting if something could have caused offence. 

At the end of the day - reconcile 'do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil' - Ephesians 4:26-27

And remember; Friendships that hold mercy at is core can afford to make mistakes and will grow, but friendships that hold up unattainable ideals of perfection will suffocate under that pressure - so bring things to the table. 

T.B.G

Padre - Fr. Bradley Rafter

Stina - The witness from a woman in a prayer tribe from the other side of the globe '...despite all the challenges, I cannot be anything but Christian'.