Unconditional love that comes from God is that which can forgive harshness, criticism, and disparaging words. It is only in Hope from the Love that we can draw enough strength to endure. As individuals if we look first to God for direction, strength and wisdom before speaking, acting and retaliating to a tongue lashing, our response may change significantly.
Could the major problem behind all the political difference of opinion, disparaging words and often childlike attacks be that we respond quickly, without contemplation with reasonable cognitive thinking? Does it make sense to respond to someone’s harsh unreasonable words with even harsher and more unreasonable words and blame?
I once read a bit of “drive by wisdom” at a time in my life that involved many major life changes. Because I had been tormented with grief and praying for help with anger and unrest, looking for wisdom, and attempting so desperately to find Hope, it wasn’t until I read this statement that I was able to see clearly that I was also an active part in all of the wrong that I felt was going on around me. The statement said very simply…. “When arguing with a STUPID person, make sure he is not doing the same thing.”
In my years as care giver to people with cognitive and behavioral disabilities, I experienced many disagreements daily. Often times even the smallest difference of opinion can unleash a massive war of words, accusations and aggressive actions. This is where another phrase of wisdom comes to mind, ”Hind sight is always 20X20”. How many times have we quickly responded to something only to later find out that we now feel differently, and wish we hadn’t said that?
As I write this I am humbly not claiming to have any solutions that will bring world peace or even at the very least an amicable election year. But what I do hope is, that everyone will remember, before they react or respond, this very simple bit of wisdom …. “When arguing with a stupid person, make sure he or she is not doing the same thing!”
In conclusion please don’t forget as human beings we improve ourselves by continuing to search for wisdom and enlightenment. We all may not go about it in the very same manner. The important thing is that we act with Love and not hate, and disagreeing with someone does not automatically mean they are stupid. Spend some time contemplating before reacting. We teach respect by acting respectful to others.