What is going on in the world today? In my 53 years on this earth, I've never seen such extremes when it comes to judgement on others. The left is against the right. The right is against the left. Us Independents are stuck in the middle trying to decipher the chaos. What's right is wrong and what's wrong is right, and if you don't go along with that, then you are labeled as either racist or an extremist. Everyone thinks they are right and it's their way or the highway. We've lost any middle ground as well as any rational thinking. Our government is succeeding in suffocating the middle class with our outrages and expensive economy.
Social media is one of the biggest culprits of spreading hate. Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Tik Tok.....and even the media. The news has changed over the last 50 years, that's for certain! So many people I talk to don't even watch the news anymore because it encourages so much division. Being rude is easy and people do it every day. If someone posts something that someone else doesn't agree with, that someone goes on the attack. They display rudeness at it's finest and you witness it rearing it's ugly teeth. But here is something about rudness....it does not take any effort and is a sign of weakness and insecurity.
Be kind!!! It takes a lot of self-discipline to be kind - even when dealing with difficult people. Kindness is usually a sign that someone has been through a lot. They've learned much from life lessons, which led them to a place of love and peace. This lets them be more open with other’s opinions. Just listen! Even if you disagree.
Always choose to be kind over being right.
When someone challenges you, or mocks a certain group of people, or a cause that you believe in, remember this. They are being rude. They are the ones who were responsible for spreading hate. Don't contribute to that behavior. Self control shows strength. Remaining calm means you've mastered the situation. You should get to a point where you don't change your mood based on what others say to or about you or about anyone else. Keep your spirits high and don't let others hijack the direction of your life. Your emotions shouldn't overpower your intelligence. Rise above that and just focus on God. Remember, God is and will remain on the throne. Nothing anyone can do will stop that. And spoiler alert....in the end...God wins!
I don't know about you, but I want to hear "welcome good and faithful servant", not "depart from me, I never knew you". I always try to keep my focus where it needs to be.
If you are really concerned about that person you find offending, reach out them. Ask them why their hate is so extreme. Then just hear them out whether or not you agree with them. The most powerful way to heal someone is to listen. Don't think or judge, just listen. People start to heal the moment they feel heard. You can't be a healer if you refuse to step outside your own emotions and view things entirely in the perspective of the other person.
You do not have to agree with them, their views, their beliefs or their political ideologies. But at least take the high road and just listen. If they are in the same open mindset as you, they will, in turn, listen to your point of view as well. Or, maybe not. It doesn't matter, it's not about being right. Your views are your views, their views are their views and our choices are solely between us and God. If you are wondering if your who's views are the right ones, weigh them with what the Bible says and you will have your answer. Do your ideas and beliefs line up with what God's Word says?
Whatever you decide to do, just be kind. Don't underestimate the impact of a smile, a listening ear, a heart of compassion and sharing God's love. It may just turn their day around. Start the conversation. Be kind.
