Grace in Advocating

I speak to farmers and other people in the agricultural field on a daily basis. Whenever a "hot topic" gets brought up and my opinions on such I always get a couple of people who say "you are so much nicer than me"! And here's the thing. I'm not! I have a "tell em how it is" mouth and I am fiercely protective of my people. You see I'm opinionated and straightforward. I'm also confident and tend to be a little too gutsy...you know all the traits that send people running.
But then there is Grace.....
I used think of grace as something I got to choose whether to give or not, but when I started advocating for farmers and agriculturalist that decision went out the window. Grace became a foundation. My biggest question became "Can you advocate to people who are either unknowledgeable or ignorant effectively without showing grace?" The answer to that question seemed double sided.
Yes, you can. Often I could, and wish to, go after people and attack the false information they are spewing. Having that attitude doesn't get you much farther than an argument though.
On the other side, Grace by definition is unmerited favor. Something I never earned but is showered over me daily. So in return I feel called to show love even in discord and disagreement to those who don't agree with me on the topic I'm advocating for. On issues that are non-sinful or don't deny the gospel(which is the majority of agricultural issues), God is honored when we humbly love, especially when we love those with differing opinions than us. Don't get me wrong though....sometimes grace is hard and I fall short many times. Some of the ways I try to respond to differing opinions are...
-Surprises those that are challenging me with words of love and respect
-Choose to use gracious words even when hit with provocative, untrue, or hurtful comments
-Applaud commitment to study and research a particular opinion
-Show thanks for respectful well-thought out comments
-Give God the glory for the ability to seek wisdom and walk in it
-Remember sometimes it's best to respectfully listen and accept the existing disagreement and tension and friendships can blossom even in the midst of differing opinions
As I continuously advocate for agricultural issues and for the farmers who keep our great country running, I'm learning that grace towards those who I'm advocating to is a necessity. In the midst of disagreements I've realized that mirroring the way God loves in the way I love others will always be more important than being right!
"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in Harmony" Psalm 133:1