I’ve noticed a phenomenon lately in the world around me. People seem to be equating disagreement with hatred. One does not equal the other and in most cases it never will. I understand that there are lots of controversial topics that come up in day to day conversation — especially with this never-ending election season that has brought out the bad sides in so many people — the candidates themselves included. It pains me to see people become so divided over topics that may or may not actually be relevant to them personally. It seems that we are all willing to be martyrs for our particular cause, but at the expense of everyone else’s cause. Passion is wonderful. If you are going to believe something, believe in it wholeheartedly. Don’t live lukewarm. But everyone else is allowed to be passionate about their beliefs as well.
I believe that as humans, we are called to love one another. What a wonderful place the world would be if we all lived by this concept! If only we could all make an effort to think of love before we think of hate…I was watching a Youtube video recently where the videographer’s biography simply said that his mission in life was to add value. That’s it — just add value. I think if we all lived with these two things in mind, we could make such a huge difference in the world. We’re not adding value or spreading love and positivity when we attack those who we do not agree with. It is possible to love someone who you think is in error when it comes to their beliefs, just like it is possible to have a conversation with said a person without calling them vicious names and attacking them — I know, shocker, right?
I understand that sometimes what you believe feels absolutely and completely right and that those who do not believe what you believe are wrong, but the world isn’t as black and white as that. There are a lot of gray areas, and we honestly cannot always say whether something is strictly right or wrong. There are a lot of “what ifs” that comes with the gray territory, and it takes a lot of evaluation to figure out what you believe.
The world is a tricky place, and we all develop our own sets of values to help us be the best person we can be while navigating it. Sometimes those values are a little off kilter, sometimes they are absolutely right, and, yes, sometimes you may just be flat out wrong. Be open to that possibility, and be open to what others have to say. Even if this means that you listen so that you are educated enough to fire back at them — fire away politely all you want. I think we all need to live with the mindset of adding value and spreading love. Then there won’t be room for hate, and we can all accept each other for who we are as people, beyond our beliefs.
Just my two cents.