We make our own enemies
Sometimes evil is so obvious, so blatant, that we naturally oppose it. This can be specific organizations (ex: Nazi’s) or practices (ex: genocide).
But oftentimes, life is not full of such obvious evil.
We see people who think differently; believe differently; act differently than us. We then allow that difference to create a tension in our lives that results in natural divisions that disrupt our peace — But why?
Some examples:
- Republicans vs. Democrats
- Christians vs. Muslims
- The Green Bay Packers vs. the Chicago Bears
- Android vs. iPhone
- Yourself vs. your in-laws
When we fail to accept and respect the differences in others, we unnecessarily make them our enemy. We accept this mentality where “we can only be happy, if the other is unhappy”. This breeds resentment, anger, and fear, which then perpetuates the exchange of hurtful activities between the groups.
A few thoughts to heal the divide:
- Differences should be celebrated — they bring energy and innovation
- Differences should be respected — even if we don’t understand them
- Differences should be shared — we invite, but never force
The goal is never to change someone else — but to share our values, respect their’s, and partner on mutually beneficial solutions.
