As I get older my understanding of what love is and how it feels continues to grow. From what I have learned so far, I have discovered that there are many forms of love; unconditional love, love of a parent or child, love of a partner, love of a friend, love of a family member, love of a pet, love of material goods, etc. But my understanding of why people judge someone based off of whom they love still boggles my mind.
Being blessed with a supportive and loving group of friends and family has never been an issue for me. I am confident that no matter who I fall in love with, my family and friends will support me as long as I am truly happy. But I have witnessed people who lack these same loving conditions. While I am lucky to have a loving family and friend group, I have still not found this supposed "one." It is this "one" that everyone gushes over, who causes so much controversy amongst different people. There are so many expectations for this "one" person to meet.
These same people who have such high expectations are the same people who feel that they are entitled to have a say on whom someone should be in love with. Religion contributes a large portion to this controversy; enforcing this idea that people are meant to be heterosexual, one man and one female. This idea has meshed with the belief that loving someone of the same sex is wrong and immoral. While heterosexuality follows common tradition some of the most loving relationships and friendships I have witnessed were by homosexual individuals.
I strongly believe and encourage the idea that everyone has a right to their own opinion. If they feel strongly in the Bible's teachings of heterosexuality that is fine and their own perrogative; but in regards to judging someone or taking their rights away because of who they love not only is unacceptable but it also lacks compassion and love for all people, thus disobeying God's hopes for loving everyone. If someone cannot accept another individual for being gay, bi, or straight they are not loving that person unconditionally and God calls us to love our neighbor without judgment.
The world is in dire need of peace and it all starts with us as individuals. We need to learn to be kind and compassionate and to accept people for who they are. We want so badly for people to accept us but then we turn around and judge others for their clothes, social status, personality, and who they love.
I believe this is ultimately a sign of insecurity and rather than focusing on putting people down we should encourage them for their individuality and bring positivity to the world around us. The world may seem like it is getting worse, but by changing your own perspective and point of view not only will you feel better but you will contribute to making this world a better place!
