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A Morning View By the Wood Stove

I ponder my thoughts this morning about humanity and the self imposed stresses of difference. My view this morning is a struggle with extremes who are not willing to meet somewhere in the life spectrum and hear the other voice. We experience this in the government, the church and even in our own families. Perhaps this has been this way for ages and I am finally catching up. I believe that this attitude has been there, but it is now the prevalent attitude in society. "My way or no way."

I want to say this view is not to be right or wrong over issues, but to recognize a very dangerous attitude. If we do not listen to the other and try to understand their situation how can we find solutions? I will never ask anyone to compromise beliefs, because I have never compromised my beliefs in the world of politics or religion. I am just asking others to listen and not try to force personal beliefs or diminish the other. This attitude is not just one sided. Both extremes create the tension.

So what does the scripture say? I suggest you read all of Proverbs 21 there is some good thought and life challenging words! The verse that jumps out to me is verse 2. "We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives." - The Message

Jesus used these words for us in Matthew 22:36-40. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

I choose to strive to live my life in love. I have not arrived... far from it. But I desire to love all and understand the "other" in the love of Christ. Benjamin Franklin said it well when signing the Declaration of Independence; "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

Let us "hang" together in love.

Peace,
PB

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