Who Says?

I appreciate very much the mentors in my life who have taught me (the hard way for the hard headed) that asking questions is the best approach when it is clear that opinions are at odds. Recently, I found myself in the middle of a tense discussion among a group of people from very different backgrounds.
One is not yet 20, one a mother of 6 in poverty, one in her 60s, one a single mother who grew up in the foster care system, and me.

The topics of "Obamacare" (I hate that word, it is SO not just his plan.), gun control, and abortion were debated.

I encouraged this group of people to ask questions rather than state opinions. The climate grew very interesting. One group member was adamant that all those in the way of change and backward needed to be exterminated. One group member was adamant that abortion is never a good option. One group member was adamant that adoption should be a next-to-last option (only a half step before abortion). One group member just wanted everyone to get along.  And me. Full of questions and ready to listen. And likely disagree.

In my heart of hearts, I am hawkish and desire swift justice. My gut calls for making people act responsibly and force hands to make sure kids are cared for to my standard. Sometimes I long for the days when this was clear and simple and life was safely black-and-white. Alas, it shall never be so again for me.

I want justice for those who don't care for kids to my standard

But what if someone with a more stringent standard said the same about my parenting?

I think murder is wrong and life begins at conception

How is the death penalty any less murder than abortion?

I  want victims to get justice, swift and strong and mighty

What about those times that I mess up and hurt others unintentionally? 

Will justice on this Earth really make it better?

I want safety for children, I don't want people to ever hurt them.

What if those with the power think teaching Jesus hurts them?

Some of these questions and thoughts are a bit extreme. In a hypothetical discussion, you get to do this. In real life, it just is not that simple. I will admit that it took much energy for me to ask questions and not try to take over the discussion. As I listened, I learned so much. Listen and stop long enough to realize the perspective of another. Try to hear what that person says. Consider that the answers aren't found in debate. Disagree while loving and respecting and praying for the other. Please?