is not silence. Civility is not the government monitoring everyone’s thoughts and speech. Civility is not simply a tool to stop differing views. Civility is not about the force of law. Civility is a virtue that springs out from the heart of a person, a combination of the qualities of humility, wisdom, and forebearance that allow one to examine their words before they are uttered.
Regardless of individual beliefs people whose hearts are darkened will express that darkness in their thoughts and words because they are drawing from the well of that darkness. If you wish to have civility you must change that darkness to light. Laws are easy to change but hearts are much more difficult because it takes grace, hard work, and a constant vigilance. It, takes, above all, the presence of Christ who calls us to daily die to ourselves.
