We live in a polarized society, with parties and ideologies creating divisions and complicating relationships between people with differing beliefs. Even religion has been used to drive us apart. Political conversations stir up strong emotions, and as a result many of us avoid engaging in tough conversations with people we disagree with, especially with loved ones or those we see on a daily basis.

Yet, Pope Francis urges people of faith to go outside the peripheries and “create a culture of encounter, of a fruitful encounter, of an encounter that restores to each person his or her own dignity as a child of God, the dignity of a living person.” Rather than avoiding these difficult conversations, it is essential to engage and be in relationship with those with whom we disagree.

By talking with and listening to those with differing beliefs, we can enter into a conversation that could mend the relationship with loved ones. However, transforming someone’s worldview and mending the relationship will take more than one conversation. This is a long-term commitment to be in conversation with those we disagree with. While difficult, it is through these multiple meaningful encounters that we can begin to mend a broken relationship and grow in that relationship through understanding, respect, and love.

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