It takes a lot of forgiveness, compassion, patience,
and courage to listen in the face of disagreement.
I can't help but find this condescending. Listening should only take a small bit of intellectual humility. On controversial subjects, people with whom you disagree almost certainly have valid points. It's not heroic to acknowledge them. It's a sign of maturity to be able to admit where your opponent's arguments are strong and, on the other hand, admit the weaknesses in your own position.
They might not be talking about the opposed option itself but the way controversial viewpoints are often presented: Full of emotion, and in a full-frontal attack if you're perceived to be not on their side. It can be hard to dissipate that and actually get to the quiet earnest exploration part.
I think it's sad that you think that "a lot of forgiveness, compassion, patience, and courage" is the hallmark of a hero, rather than the hallmark of a mature person. The article never said anything about heroism.
