Duc in Altum

I found the following challenging mediation on the Catholic Culture site:

In disagreements between you and your neighbor, you must always remember that to be in the right is the consideration that influences a Christian the least. The philosopher may indulge such a satisfaction. But to be in the right and to act as if one were not, to allow one's opponent to triumph on the side of injustice,-this means to overcome evil by good, and to secure peace for one's soul. No more convincing argument for your own vindication is required than the silent exterior acknowledgment that you are in the wrong. He who edifies does more for the truth than he who is zealous for the combat. Instead of trying to refute those that are in the wrong, it is better to pray for them. A stream flows much more rapidly when nothing is done to hold it back. Pray for those who are prejudiced against you, never become embittered against them, pity them, await their return to better feelings, and help to free them from their prejudices. One would not be human if he does not feel how easy it is to stray, and how much it costs to acknowledge this. The spirit of meekness, of indulgence, of patience and humility in examining the behavior of others toward us, secures us that peace of mind which is not compatible with the jealous, suspicious sensibilities of self-love. - Fenelon

My own experience has shown the absolute truth of the statements which I have emphasized in bold print. Every time that I have been concerned about being "right" has almost always been disastrous in my relationship with the other person. Only alienation and deepened bitterness has resulted from maintaining such a stance. On the other hand, when I have focused on prayer even in the moment such as asking God for the grace to be loving toward the person with whom I am speaking, I have seen walls be brought down instead of be built.

When I have been the one who was in the wrong, it was prayer, more often than not, which had the greatest impact upon me. Arguments for and against some point or other might have a minimal impact, but prayer to God will always have an immediate impact. It begins the transformation of our souls which always begins with humility and results in peace of mind.