Now this advice from the blog god-of -small-things is even better than Ben Franklin’s. Blogger Bob Smietana got this list of steps in presenting an argument for an article in Sojourners magazine, and he says it came from somewhere else before that. Wherever, it’s a good plan:

1. Show respect for all positions on an issue, and for those who hold opposing opinions.
2. Understand the opposing side so well that you can present its arguments as clearly as its proponents do.
3. Begin your sermon by presenting the opposing case’s position.
4. Then present your position, rooting your position in biblical soil, admitting your position’s downsides.
5. Confess your openness to changing your thinking, thus modeling the teachability you hope your people will demonstrate.

I especially like step #2. In order to really understand the opposing side of an argument, you must spend a great deal of time actually listening. I think this is the hardest thing to do. I am often tempted to immediately jump into a discussion with my wonderful, profound insights instead of listening. After all, I’ve thought about these things, and of course, I know what the other person is going to say before he says it. Lord, give me more humility–even when I’m right, especially when I’m sure I’m right.