We have entered a time in our country where disagreements over government policies have deteriorated into hatred, revenge, and retribution toward those with differing opinions. This leads me to ponder the Christian command to love one's enemies.
What does this mean? How can I show love towards someone who, in my view, is harming the country and behaves in ways that are contrary to almost every one of my personal values?
In 2016, I was consumed with negative emotions about the election and the candidate. After a few weeks, I realized the harm I was doing to myself by harboring these negative, destructive thoughts while not affecting the candidate in any way. This led me to an exploration of my own spiritual development, something over which I had complete control.
Maybe loving your enemy doesn’t mean liking your enemy or approving of their behavior. Maybe it means ridding yourself of destructive emotions like revenge and retribution. is it possible that loving your enemy is a “selfish” act like forgiveness that cleanses our soul with no regard for the behavior of the person we “hate?”
This brings me to ponder the idea of schadenfreude, or taking pleasure in the pain and suffering of others. On social media, I see many comments echoing the 2016 call to "Lock her up. "Those of us on the other side of the aisle were horrified to hear those primitive chants at the time. They weren’t consistent with the principles on which this country was founded. Yet now, we're seeing chants of "Lock him up." on social media. Do we move ourselves and our country forward by responding to bad behavior with more bad behavior?
There’s a beautiful scene in the movie Camelot where the young King Arthur, who was having political challenges in his life, asked the wise Merlin a question: “Tell me Merlin, what do you do for sadness.” Merlin responded with, “Learn something.”
I decided to consult ChatGPT much like I would consult Merlin, to see what I could learn. I asked it, “How can I use the current atmosphere of hate, revenge, and retribution into an opportunity for learning and spiritual growth?”
Here’s what “Merlin” told me:
Transforming the current atmosphere of hate, revenge, and retribution into an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth requires a conscious and intentional effort. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Self-Awareness: Start by examining your own feelings and attitudes. Are there any areas where you might be harboring negative emotions or a desire for revenge? Acknowledging these feelings is the first step toward addressing them.
Cultivate Empathy: Work on developing a deeper understanding of others' perspectives, even if you disagree with them. Practice empathetic listening and strive to see the humanity in those who hold differing views.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness meditation or other mindfulness practices that help you stay present in the moment. This can help you manage your reactions to negative emotions and develop a greater sense of inner peace.
Choose Compassion: Intentionally choose compassion over hate. When faced with negativity, remind yourself of the value of responding with understanding and empathy rather than perpetuating the cycle of hatred.
Limit Exposure: While staying informed is important, constantly exposing yourself to hate-filled content can take a toll on your well-being. Consider limiting your exposure to negative news and social media, and focus on sources that promote understanding and positivity.
Educate Yourself: Seek to understand the root causes of hate and retribution. Educate yourself on the social, psychological, and historical factors that contribute to these attitudes. This knowledge can help you develop a more informed and compassionate perspective.
Promote Dialogue: Engage in respectful conversations with people who have different viewpoints. Create a safe space for open discussion where both sides can express their thoughts without fear of judgment or retribution.
Set Boundaries: It's important to set healthy boundaries with individuals or situations that consistently spread hate or negativity. Protect your own well-being while still advocating for positive change.
Engage in Acts of Kindness: Counter negativity with acts of kindness. Engage in small acts of generosity and compassion in your community. This can help shift the focus from hate to positive actions.
Seek Guidance: If you're on a spiritual journey, consult your spiritual teachings for guidance on dealing with negativity and fostering personal growth. Many spiritual traditions emphasize forgiveness, compassion, and inner transformation.
Forgiveness: Consider the power of forgiveness. While this doesn't mean condoning harmful behavior, forgiving others can free you from the burden of carrying hatred and resentment.
Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your progress. Keep a journal to track your emotional responses, your growth, and the challenges you face. This self-awareness can guide your ongoing efforts.
Remember that personal and spiritual growth is a continuous process, and transformation takes time. Be patient with yourself and celebrate even small steps toward a more compassionate and empathetic mindset. Your individual efforts contribute to a collective shift towards a more positive and harmonious world.
Merlin wasn’t real in the movie. He was a vision, a memory in King Arthur’s mind. We are surrounded by the collective wisdom of the world around us if we choose to pay attention. ChatGPT, or AI, taps into that collective wisdom.
Thank you for this. I am normally a kind and compassionate person, but thoughts of the former president have a way of making me feel filled with anger, hate and wishing that he would die. I abhor those feelings and rationalize that they are justified. Now I realize that I’ve only been hurting myself.