Matthew 22:15-22

Matthew 22:15-22 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  The Pharisees are hoping to get Jesus in trouble here -- if he says that it's not lawful to pay taxes, then they can accuse him of insurrection and get him in trouble with the Romans.  If he says that it is, some of the Jews might get upset at him because they don't like the Roman rule in the region.  So the question doesn't appear to have a middle ground, and yet Jesus finds it, gracefully, and others marvel at his wisdom.
  If you ever want to be amazed, just watch others argue on the internet.  It's astounding how upset some people can get, because they'll be on opposite side of an issue, shouting at each other.  Christians get into this as well -- sometimes with outsiders, sometimes with other Christians.  No one comes out looking good in these situations, and I don't think many people change their minds.
  It's a delicate balance to engage in conversation with those you disagree with.  It's not easy, and the landscape is rife with pitfalls.  But as Christians, it is vital that we do engage with others in conversation, including those we disagree with.  If we do so with grace, and trust the Holy Spirit to give us the words to say, we have a chance to invite others to marvel at the wisdom of Christ.  Christ was loving, even with his opponents. 
  So may we be a graceful people, firm in our convictions, welcoming in debate, willing to consider the person on the other side of the conversation, always patient and selfless, inviting the outside to come, taste and see that the Lord is good.