In every moment, we are called to choose that action which balances what is a priority to us and what is a priority to others. In every moment, choosing that action is how we avoid unnecessary conflict. In every moment, that is how we choose to do the right thing.
How to know our priorities? One guide is to ask yourself, “What would I regret the most?” This leads us to usually conclude that doing the KIND act is the bigger priority.
I remember a day in college when I was studying for an exam the next day. Every minute counted, as there was so much to memorize. But another girl in my dorm came crying to me, extremely distraught and heartbroken because her boyfriend had just dumped her. I spent the rest of the evening consoling her, because it was the caring thing to do. I didn’t score quite as high on the exam, but I never regretted the priority I chose, because kindness was really needed, and it fell to me to give it.
At the end of your life, you regret the cruelties you committed, but you have peace if you have chosen kindness.
I believe this is why Jesus taught that the Commandment to love God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind was co-equal with the Commandment to love your neighbor as you love yourself.
We cannot compromise on principles. That which we apprehend as contrary to God's Law is not something we can ever call good and should never deem acceptable. That which we apprehend as in keeping with God's Law is something we should call good and should always celebrate. There is zero room for debate on this point.
However, what we do--and in particular what we say--in either condemning evil or celebrating good is a separate choice from the choice to condemn evil and celebrate good. Once we choose the stand we will take we must choose our words, and we must choose our tactics. In choosing those words and tactics we are called to speak and act from the position of love and charity. Even in speaking against evil acts, we are called to do so with love and compassion for those against whose acts we are speaking.
We are forever having to balance on that razor's edge.
Grace and peace to you Amigo. 😌🕯️📿🌹✍🏼
O'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me the sinner....
How to know our priorities? One guide is to ask yourself, “What would I regret the most?” This leads us to usually conclude that doing the KIND act is the bigger priority.
I remember a day in college when I was studying for an exam the next day. Every minute counted, as there was so much to memorize. But another girl in my dorm came crying to me, extremely distraught and heartbroken because her boyfriend had just dumped her. I spent the rest of the evening consoling her, because it was the caring thing to do. I didn’t score quite as high on the exam, but I never regretted the priority I chose, because kindness was really needed, and it fell to me to give it.
At the end of your life, you regret the cruelties you committed, but you have peace if you have chosen kindness.
I believe this is why Jesus taught that the Commandment to love God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind was co-equal with the Commandment to love your neighbor as you love yourself.
We cannot compromise on principles. That which we apprehend as contrary to God's Law is not something we can ever call good and should never deem acceptable. That which we apprehend as in keeping with God's Law is something we should call good and should always celebrate. There is zero room for debate on this point.
However, what we do--and in particular what we say--in either condemning evil or celebrating good is a separate choice from the choice to condemn evil and celebrate good. Once we choose the stand we will take we must choose our words, and we must choose our tactics. In choosing those words and tactics we are called to speak and act from the position of love and charity. Even in speaking against evil acts, we are called to do so with love and compassion for those against whose acts we are speaking.
We are forever having to balance on that razor's edge.
You are wise and insightful, Peter - a blessing to this world!
Thanks. I’m just a man who’s made his share of mistakes and is struggling to learn from them.