Whether our neighbor, brother, father, co-worker, classmate, senator, governor, president etc., believes differently than us, there is more we hold in common with our neighbors than we might realize.
“True love casts out fear.”
“Fear is the opposite of love.”
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
“Love your enemy.”
From the Christian tradition, these words of wisdom transcend religious affiliation and speak to something universal. Jesus’s teachings were radical in his day, and in many ways still are. He preached radical love and forgiveness, opposing our human nature drawn toward revenge, or karma, or reciprocity. “An eye for an eye” may be easy, but forgiveness is where true peace lies. Peace can be found without others changing their beliefs to agree with ours either. "Turn the other cheek."
When we pursue virtue and live with compassion, empathy, and understanding, it is easier to find deeper connection with others, even those who hold very different beliefs. There are so many ways to be human, and everyone has an opinion that’s informed by only their unique circumstances.
When someone else holds beliefs that we find hurtful to our own cherished beliefs, we can choose to otherize them, or seek understanding to forge connection. Not to say that understanding will lead to agreeing with their beliefs, but even seeking to understand makes room for empathy.
No one is perfect, and everyone has reasons for their beliefs, whether we agree with them or not. Forgiveness, more than anything, is about making peace within ourselves. When we love ourselves, it’s easier to find that peace, and then extend it to others.
Differences do not have to divide us to the point of disconnection. That is a choice. Choose love, the virtue from which all others abound.
"Forgive them, they know not what they do."
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