Here’s some more sage advice from my dad: Get so close he can’t kick you. Dad was trying to teach me how to deal with critics and enemies. By loving them (Matt. 5:44). It’s what Jesus commanded his followers to do. Dad had learned that loving our enemies is displayed when we reach out to them. Get to know them. And listen intently to their perspective and beliefs. Thoughtfully. Empathetically. When we do so we are blessing our enemies instead of cursing them (Rom. 12:14). Especially in situations in which we’re addressing vastly different points of view. We seek to understand, not be understood. Potential enmity could possibly develop into an unexpected friendship. Because you’ve done as Jesus counseled. You’ve gotten so close he can’t kick you!