Civility in our public conversations

How can we expect the world to see Jesus when we can't stop arguing with one another? In the USA, political debate has been more acrimonious than usual. Fear is most often the driving force that makes people attack other's views without respect and a sense of community.

Billy Graham's grandson is in a big mess at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, but it sounds like he understands what a poor witness the church is producing when it takes dissent into disagreeable conflict between Christians.

What is our responsibility to live together in harmony? To what extent are we supposed to put aside what we think is right and go with what another Christian thinks is right? What does this say to us and to our churches:

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18 (NIV)