Differences of opinion are part of life. I work daily with people who sometimes see an issue differently. My two noble counselors, Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring, have taught me how to disagree in a Christlike way. Over the last five years of working together, we haven’t always agreed. Still, they know I want to hear their honest feelings about everything we discuss—especially sensitive issues. 

From their examples, I have learned six ways to disagree:

• Express feelings with love.
• Don’t think you know best.
• Don’t compete.
• Don’t rigorously defend your position.
• Let the Spirit guide your conversations.
• Be filled with charity, the pure love of Christ.

Charity is the antidote to contention. It is the principal characteristic of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Charity defines a peacemaker.

Russell M. Nelson
President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints