What If We Chose To Love? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

What If We Chose To Love?

Our society doesn't have to be a battlefield.

15
What If We Chose To Love?
Pixabay

Facebook is a sad place to visit these days. While cute stories of dads getting their daughters ready for school or little children singing their favorite songs are very prevalent, stories of death, pain, politics, and hate often outnumber them.

However, we are not satisfied to read the stories and grieve for the loss or consider the predicaments they create. We are adamant to choose a side and fight to the death. When I see arguments on Facebook, I am saddened by the personal insults flying back and forth; this brings no hope of a positive outcome. My heart aches for each person, defending their convictions with all of the vigor they can muster. One debatable issue multiplies into criticism of another's entire moral standing. As my heart aches, all I can think of is one question. When did we all become enemies?

I am not free of guilt in this area. I have definitely commented on a person's intelligence based on his or her statements made on social media regarding issues I feel strongly about. And that was wrong of me. I know nothing about what goes on in that person's daily life. The situations they encounter, the people they have to deal with, the memories that they cannot shake.

While I disagree with anyone who uses their past or present circumstances as an excuse to be irresponsible, unwise, or hateful, I do not disagree with the fact that those experiences affect people deeply. Betrayal from a loved one, a constant lack of encouragement, being labeled unworthy, or any situation that can hurt a person more than the human eye can see, those are the things that affect who we are.

Many people don't believe in God, but I do, and I truly believe He loves every single person on this earth. The angry troublesome teen, the wounded father who refuses to parent his children, the feisty debate master who stands firm on his or her beliefs. No matter how much another person irks you, how wrong you believe they are, or how annoying their position is to you, God calls us to love one another.

Some view themselves as martyrs, standing firm on the "truth" that God said they would be hated in this world for being Christians. I'm no expert, but I don't think God wanted them to hate us for being jerks or for insulting their opinions. What if we lived the way Jesus did- doing so much good that others hated us for it? What would our world look like then?

What if we allowed others to angrily argue their opinion and simply loved the fact that they were willing to discuss it with us? Perhaps the best option is to take emotion out of the equation for a moment and simply rely on truth. Truth that each person deserves to be loved. We may not know how to solve all of the problems in this world, but I can guarantee that every problem could improve- even if it was the slightest improvement- if people felt loved rather than judged. Love is not a feeling; love is a choice. You may not like the other person, but you have a choice to love.

So let's do away with insults; everyone has faults. Let's do away with the desperation to be right; our minds are not infallible. Let's, instead, focus on the only thing that can truly bring us together: a deliberate choice to love one another.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

574
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

342
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments