I’m struggling with how best to support a loved one who is currently making choices I’m convinced are harmful, destructive and contrary to foundational principles I believe in. I’m spending hours examining my heart, agonizing over how to express love and at the same time stay true to what I believe.
I understand that disagreement is a part of life. We all have differences that stem from our upbringing, varying views on morality, theology, understanding of self and others, knowledge, boundaries, etc.
How do we love and support someone that is clearly violating what we believe in? How does one deal with that fine line between personal beliefs and relationship?
What happens when we stay true to our beliefs and values and that puts us in a place of disagreement with someone or a group in our personal or general communities? I’m disturbed, as I’m sure you are, of the strong judgements I see these days on social media these days…
Is it possible to disagree with someone and still love them? Does disagreement automatically mean hate?
Do different perspectives mean we simply cannot get along.
Of course not!
On one hand, beliefs are sharp swords that bring division. On the other hand, it’s easy to overlook kindness.
Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate; love expressed.
We are all made in God’s image. We owe each other kindness. And in disagreements, rather than reacting to a person or situation, we are called to respond with kindness.
The heart reveals the essence of all that a person is.
The challenge is to stay kind while we stay true to our beliefs and values.
~shini abraham, ©2015, duco divina – contemplative doodling
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