1. Humility - "[W]hat you know for sure that just ain't
so," makes up about 60% of what we think we know. That's science.
2. Honesty - Before you say or do anything that impacts
another, do diligence. Research what you think you know. Interview the people
who were there. When we take time to study it out, we can achieve about 85%
accuracy in our understanding and judgment (at best). ... In the process of
doing this, our emotions have a chance to calm down and our instant judgments
disappear.
3. Grace - Realize that everybody is doing the best they
know how. In 1940s New Mexico, there were two escaped convicts in a shack
surrounded by police. As they reloaded their pistols, the murderer said,
"Why are people always picking on me?" The answer is, he was brought
up in a way that, he just never learned how to get along in this world. But he
was doing the best he knew how. Everybody is doing the best they know how.
Nobody really knows how. Those who seem to know what they're doing, are faking
it. "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do."
4. I forgive myself preemptively. Any outburst, emotional or
rational reaction is a normal human thing, so I forgive myself. How can I not
forgive others? "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Of course, it's always an imperfect process ... but really,
isn't that the point?